Lefty's Deceiver polishes up its post-hardcore sound for a slick, indie-tailored fourth album entitled
Cheats. Instead of relying on distorted guitar riffs and Andy Williams' difficult vocals,
Lefty's Deceiver goes for full, layered arrangements. Producer/engineer Brian McTear (
matt pond PA, the Trouble With Sweeney) stretches his skills in the studio, allowing
Lefty's Deceiver to realize that it can make a grand noise as a trio. Williams is a little more convincing thanks to his self-conscious, quirky singing voice, but his underlying personal angst doesn't quite go away. "Iselin" and the album's title track are evidence of that. Power pop threads accent an indie rock edge on "Cincinnati on Replay" and "East Coast Traffic" sticks with that formula, with snappy melodies coasting on an emotional wave.
Cheats is quick to the point in criticizing social conformity. The only difference is that
Lefty's Deceiver didn't try too hard to make it all come together. ~ MacKenzie Wilson