Spins: The Outfit “Go”
The Outfit
Go
(Pavement Entertainment)
On its third full-length album, Go, local rockers, The Outfit continues its infectious blend of catchy hooks, memorable melodies, and a hybrid of Cheap Trick meets Foo Fighters influences. Chicago veteran sound engineer Matt Mercado returns for this release, as does Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum producer and mixer Ulrich Wild (Pantera, Static-X, White Zombie, Deftones), giving the album its pristine clarity with just enough grit to pleasing results. Kicking things off with âMonster,â the bandâfeaturing brothers Mark (drums) and Matt Nawara (guitar), Mike Gorman (bass), and Andy Mitchell (vocals/guitar)âtear into the track with careful nods to their aforementioned influences. Decorated with a melodious KISS-esque chugging â80s riff, magical vocal harmonies, and a hummable chorus, the opening track possesses all the characteristics this band has become known for.
Tracks âArrival Of Jane,â with its slower tempo, and âBig Eyesâ (not a Cheap Trick cover), show a familiar flair for soaring â80s/â90s rock. âGo,â âFire Eye,â âMountain,â and âYou Sayâ complete the originals of this nine-track, 31-minute album. Displaying their affection for Cheap Trick, the band successfully tackles a rousing cover of âElo Kiddies.â Although The Outfitâs rendition of the Sex Pistolsâs âGod Save The Queenâ is decent enough, do we really need another cover version of this track? Besides, I wouldâve rather have heard another original song instead. With the exception of this minor complaint, *Go* captures The Outfitâs musical maturity the band has continuously displayed over the past several years.
-Kelley Simms
8 out of 10
