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McLovins: Good Catch

Self-released

On the McLovins’ follow-up to its 2009 self-titled debut, the band has clearly matured—these Connecticut teens have not only grown taller, but also grown as musicians. While many of the 11 tracks on Good Catch have been road tested or have previously appeared on the band’s YouTube channel, the songs have a little more texture this time around and the band implements more varied playing styles as well as the addition of some new instruments, like steel drum on the reggae-tending “Milktoast Man.” “Deep Monster Trance” is a nearly 12 minute spacy jam with a lot of soloing while “Bedhead Crystal Bugger” is a little darker and grittier with more of a rock feel and heavy bass lines, and “Good Catch” is a fast-paced foot-stomper with silly lyrics about the trio on a fishing trip. Clear standouts are the energetic and fluid “Virtual Circle” and “20 in a 35,” on which Jake Huffman (drums/vocals) expresses his anger at getting a ticket for going too slow. Good Catch goes a lot of places—and if these high schoolers keep maturing at this rate, they will too.