Talon of the Hawk

Audio Mixers: Sean Rolie; Chris "Frenchie" Smith .
With a style that's confessional, rambling, and above all charming, the Front Bottoms return with more of their endearing pop on their fourth studio album (and second for Bar None), Talon of the Hawk. There's a manic quality to singer/guitarist Brian Sella's performance that feels very immediate, as if every song is the product of a sudden burst of inspiration that was recorded just moments after it hit. The songs of Talon of the Hawk combine the best parts of a Fountains of Wayne album with one of those borderline over-sharing conversations you might have at a party after a few too many drinks, making for an album that's engrossing and just a little hard to break away from -- but in a good way, of course. ~ Gregory Heaney