The Weight’s 2009 release Are Men marks an interesting evolution of the group’s sound. What was once a singer-songwriter-with-backing band is now simply a band. Of men.

Are Men reveals a sound and feel very much different from 2004′s 10 Mile Grace, which found the group working within the framework of earnest alt-country executed by post-punk kids. In contrast, Are Men brings a sense of light-hearted fun-timin’ to the songwriting and execution (more country-rock block party, less alt). It’s the sound of a band enjoying the process. Sing-along choruses, three-part harmonies, psych guitar freak-outs, rowdy gang vocals – all things people love…so The Weight have discovered.For the similarly post-jaded kids and honest fans of Americana, Are Men sounds like the record you actually enjoy listening to.