Posted on: September 30, 2010 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

Oct 1 – Beat Kitchen – Chicago, IL
Oct 2 – Small’s – Hamtramck, MI
Oct 3 – Bullfrog Brewery – Williamsport, PA
Oct 4 – Mojo 13 – Wilmington, DE
Oct 5 – TT the Bears – Boston, MA
Oct 6 – The Court Tavern – New Brunswick, NJ
Oct 7 – Arlene’s Grocery – Manhattan, NY
Oct 8 – Brighton Bar – Long Branch, NJ
Oct 9 – Dogfish Head Brewery – Lewes, DE

More National Fall Tour Dates To Come!

The aforementioned message was made abundantly clear with the release of the band’s first effort, the Loose Change EP: an internet-only gratis download that instantly expanded their audience to a national level. This initial warning shot garnered much critical praise with writers favorably plugging their gritty pop aesthetic and relatable sardonic lyricism. Building upon the acclaim of their EP, Archie Powell & The Exports continue to fight the good fight for all that is great in the world of rock and roll: clever, memorable tunes that dig deep in your brain and move in to stay (with or without your permission). Care to inquire about those credentials? Skip Work, their debut full length, is evidence enough. The material bears many faces with raucous garage rock, pop sensations and slow burners abound. All of which are held together by a pervasive sense of dark humor and twentysomething restlessness.

“Most of these songs were written around a time when the band was relocating to Chicago, so there’s sort of a sense of urgency throughout the whole record. I think that the idea of fresh experience comes through when you hear it. It’s a pretty straightforward look at big changes and greener pastures.”

Powell’s take feels apropos. The release of Skip Work sees the band exploring plenty of new territory such as the loose and strong sonic treatment of Milwaukee producer Justin Perkins and the addition of recent drum recruit RJ Export. The aforementioned atmosphere of change and discovery resonates with honesty, making the album a loud and clear proclamation on behalf of the underdog and everydude in all of us.

Dig the vibe. The album simultaneously invokes visions of The Replacements, Elvis Costello and Weezer without missing a beat, yet still manages to take on a character and aesthetic all its own. Everything gels, everything sticks.

You can discuss the fine points until you turn blue in the face, but at the end of the day, Skip Work is a rollicking celebratory study in dynamic arrangement and steadfast pop craftsmanship.

Still care to inquire about those credentials? Give it a spin. The tunes will sort it out for you.

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