If you’re expecting some dull, generic screamathon, be warned. If you’re expecting some bad Smashing Pumpkins experience, don’t. While 1997 may not be the most inspired name in the world, their music most definitely is. With some glorious boy/girl vocals – probably the best since Straylight Run – ‘A Better View of the Rising Moon’ is one of the best debut albums in a long, long time. There are vast, splendid verses and some catchy choruses, all mixed in with vocals that will warm – and probably melt – your heart. It seems that Victory has first dibs on all the great Chicago bands.
‘Water’s Edge’ is a fantastic opening track, showcasing a really thick and warm production which continues throughout. The use of strings and various other little instruments – and the ‘yee haws’ during ‘Garden of Evil’ – makes this album such fun. It’s quirky and clever and while not part of any kind of nu-musical revolution, it does give plenty of twists and turns to keep you listening. Kerri Mack and Kevin Thomas trade vocal blows as well as any boy/girl partnership in recent memory – indeed there are parts here that would literally melt in your mouth – ‘In Your Car’ is fantastic, ‘The Roads You Can Take’ brilliant.
After playing in bands ranging from pop-rocksters October Fall and metalcore screamers Funeral Etiquette to emo suburban legends Constance, 1997 have certainly found their niche. With huge summery singalong choruses, plenty of quirks and a huge dose of fun, I can see this being the soundtrack to anyone’s summer. Forget the label preconceptions and check out one of the most fun records you’ll hear all year – and be prepared to smile…