The Obsoletes

Is This Progress? (2004)

Brian Shultz

Exhibiting an alt-country-pop style in the direct range of Limbeck's last release, The Obsoletes have put together a relatively solid debut full-length. Although there are numerous instances of potential copycatting, like the fact that "Down to Milwaukee" having its title of the song repeated for the chorus until it's pounded in your head is oddly similar to the catchy, stateside theme of "In Ohio On Some Steps," The Obsoletes are still able to stand on their own tinting pop-rock with their somewhat more "roots" country influence.

To be fair, they hardly suffer from the same-song syndrome Limbeck pulled off so well, though. Each song is fairly well represented, like the opener "Empty Sidewalk" with its tribute to Elvis Presley's "Burnin' Love," as they steal a line and a few chords.

There's a really "down-home" feel to the whole album, and it's probably due to the aforementioned, somewhat more roots-wise influences, with a definite Pete Townshend quality leaking out from the sound, or even the Elvis aping provoking subtle moments from the first song on.

At about 52 minutes (factoring in the subtraction of time involving the silence preceding the secret track), it's extremely similar to Roy's last album in respects to the over-ambitious quality shown, although, even Roy's was ten minutes shorter and one song less. Even with the countless infectious melodies spilling from the speakers, I can't help but lose my focus for a portion of the album.

Still, fans of the genre should find a lot of enjoyment in Is This Progress?, and even others may appreciate a few spins of it.

MP3s

at The Obsoletes's site and 145 Records's site, since Flash doesn't let me copy shortcuts.