The cover of The Scandals’ album, “Lucky Seven.”
In a new feature exclusive to NJArts.net, Makin Waves will offer a weekly standalone record or live review. This week, The Scandals new six-song EP Lucky Seven produced by The Gaslight Anthem’s Brian Fallon, is examined. Be sure to check out the rest of the Makin Waves column here.
The Scandals: Lucky Seven” (Panic State/Say-10)
From Bayonne, with New Brunswick as a second home, rip-roarin’ punk outfit The Scandals returns to record mode for the first time in five years after world touring, solo outings by frontman Jared Hart and his work with The Crowes (a project led by The Gaslight Anthem’s Brian Fallon, producer of six-song Lucky Seven, which can be streamed below). A welcomed return it is, with Fallon maintaining The Scandals’ raw but accessible sound while boosting strong Taking Back Sunday-like vocal harmonics that balance Hart’s gruff vox.
I especially like the bending guitar notes and exciting counter harmonies of “Birthmarks” as well as the cathartic, empathetic, reggae-tinged, Clash-like single “Hostage.” The squawk ‘n’ yelp of the earnest “Calling Card” also makes for a strong track.
It’s really great once again to see a fellow Jersey rocker like Fallon produce The Scandals on a record that is follow up to their 2012 EP Trenchknife (helmed by Bouncing Souls guitarist Pete Steinkopf, a pioneer of the New Brunswick house show/basement scene that spawned The Scandals, The Gaslight Anthem and many others). Celebrate the new release on April 29 at Crossroads in Garwood, with The Scandals’ New Brunswick pals Gates as well as Dead Swords, Nine Eighteen and D’Arcy.
Bob Makin is the reporter for MyCentralJersey.com/entertainent and a former managing editor of and still a contributor to The Aquarian Weekly, where this column launched in 1988. Contact him at makinwaves64@yahoo.com.
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