Hallelujah The Hills have a penchant for these sprawling, moody musical novels from Boston. 2012's No One Knows What Happens Next and 2014's Have You Ever Done Something Evil? are prime examples of this.  The latter stands out as the record that stokes the fire the most, being highly evocative and very much a primer for its sequel come this spring. If you're a fan of Built To Spill, Restorations and Lucero, this is for you.

There's something for fans of The Smith Street Band as well as per "Try This Instead". Deep lyrics, dizzying guitars and embracing rock and roll melodies. So pure. The anthems are rugged and the choruses towering throughout. "Destroy This Poem" is another minimal attempt at showing this alongside slow-burners like "Home Movies". They feel musically simple but it's how well they're refined and edged out that make them so smooth going down. Kinda like The Gaslight Anthem. In fact, you'll even find some Wallflowers tucked away on songs like "MCMLIV (Continuity Error)". 

There's a remarkable finesse to their brand of rock and Hallelujah The Hills know how to exploit this - whether it be with subtle horns or massive power chords to reinforce their emotive weight. Which isn't bad bearing down on you at all. I wouldn't even call them an acquired taste. They're made for sipping scotch on Sundays as the sun sets. Arms on handles on that rocking chair. And you're contemplating life. Dive in and end up like me. Eager to see the momentum carried over to the next album.