From a Window Way Above,
the Fairburn Royals' follow-up to their self-released debut, finds the Athens, GA, band polishing its sound to create an album of charming and driving power pop. But
the Royals still maintain their lo-fi aesthetic, and
From a Window is more
Guided by Voices than mid-period
R.E.M.. "Japan," their slightly surreal, international wanderlust tune, is as catchy as anything released in 2002. When
the Fairburn Royals are slow and meditative, like on "Don't Force It" or the psychedelic "These Aren't Mistakes," things can drag --
From a Window doesn't have
the Clientele or
R.E.M.'s skill with daydreamy levity. But when
the Royals rock -- and they do it pretty often -- they're unstoppable. Tracks like "The Cheer" have the fun drive and bite of
Brendan Benson combined with a similar love for
Help!-era
Beatles; "Be My Punk Rock Friend" is a groovy, hilarious satire ("Can we not be friends because I have a job?," Matt Lisle asks); and "Necessities" has a dark, late-'60s momentum. This may not be a perfect record, but add a little more
Rolling Stones to the mix and
the Fairburn Royals might just hit their stride. ~ Charles Spano