On their debut EP, Peel it Back, McGuff and the Dumpster Fires restore a bit of the genre hopping alternative of 90’s alternative rock back to life. Lead by husband and wife Taylor and Emily McGuff the band dances in and out of various styles of music. Throughout the release though, the band’s sound is driven by Taylor’s guitar and the excellent dual vocal performance given by him as well as his wife.

Album opener, “Night Watchman” is a great example of this, as Emily’s vocals carry the song through a great lyrical narrative, while the backing music gives the song a feel from the pop informed ska music of the late 90’s, less the horns. The strength of this band on this song, and throughout the album, is they recognize the power the power in Emily’s voice and shape the song around that. Too often, new bands don’t have the musical knowledge to play to their strengths while they work on the details. This song, while certainly not the most original on the album, shows a strong sign of musical maturity due to their understanding of how to play to their strengths.

On the next track, “Hangin’” Taylor takes over lead vocals for what is likely the most punk influenced album on the release. A lyrical dig at an asshole boss, the song gives the band shows the band has a definite edge, one I hope they expand on. It also proves that background gang vocals, just like handclaps, can make a song instantly catchy.

The fourth track, “Ghost Town,” speaks to the band’s origins as a husband and wife acoustic duo as it is the closest thing to a ballad on the whole album. It may also be the apex of pure songwriting on the release. An ode to a town where there’s nothing left, it features some of Taylor’s best vocals and between the lyrics and guitar melody you get the definite feel this song would have gone over well on 90’s alternative radio.

The most cohesive track on the whole release is the closing track, “Tin Soldiers.” It once again finds Emily back on lead vocals while the song takes a look at the rationality of war. This is the first time you get the sense the whole band is firing on all cylinders, that is to say you get the feeling this song was written as a collective as opposed to someone bringing a near complete idea to the table and building an arrangement for the band around it.

All in all, this is a great introduction for the band. Their ability to move around within the umbrella genre of alternative rock will become more of asset as they grow as songwriters and as a band. The strength in Emily’s vocal ability holds endless possibilities as she is only going to grow more comfortable and versatile as time goes on. It will certainly be interesting to see where they go from here.