The Old Haunts – Poisonous Times

The Old Haunts – Poisonous Times / 2008 Kill Rock Stars / 12 Tracks / http://www.myspace.com/theoldhaunts /

It has been a few years since The Old Haunts came out with their last album, “Fallow Field”, and only a year less since they came out with “Fuel on Fire”. “Volatile” is one of the stand out track s on the disc, as it is able to really capture an contemporary indie type of sound while still having a little bit of the new folk sound that has infiltrated the scene. A ropy bass line is the thing that individuals will immediately hear during this track, and it is the vocals that establish The Old Haunts at the high level that they ultimately reside. A certain exuberance, something that has hints of The Flaming Lips and Husker Du equally in it, is what will capture fans the easiest on this album.

The title track to “Poisonous Times” represents something that is much more complex than “Volatile”, aa shuffling-surf based track that brings an emotive set of vocals to the fore. What results from all of these constituent parts is a reimagining of the rock music that was such the rage in the early to mid seventies. It is the step-ladder sound of the guitars in the lead up to the chorus that represents some of the most scintillating and catchy moments that the band puts forth on “Poisonous Times”, and while the act washes fans with a heavy wave of sound at points, there is a focus to The Old Haunts that is matched by few other acts. One just need listen to the guitar solo that is present in “Poisonous Times” to hear just that.

While Kill Rock Stars bands can easily gain the allegiances of anyone that has a chance to turn the dial to either an alternative rock radio station or a college station, there is a certain sound present in The Old Haunts that could easily bring them sustained success in pop and rock radio stations. This is due to the increasing maturity of the compositions on “Poisonous Times” over either “Fuel on Fire” or “Fallow Field”; thinking back to those albums, I cannot think of a song that so easily straddles indie chic and accessibility on the act’s two prior albums as does any single song from “Poisonous Times”. The Old Haunts’ time is here, and I can only seem them gaining the popularity they deserve, without having to compromise the distinct sound that brought them to where they are here. Check them out.

Top Tracks: Knives on the Mind, Sunshine

Rating: 7.0/10

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