The most striking part of
the Dark Romantics' full-length debut is how much lead singer Eric Collins sounds like
the New Pornographers' Carl Newman at times, especially when Collins is going for his high register as he often does. Second-most striking: how much the songs sound like
the Killers circa
Hot Fuss, only lacking most of that band's knack for effortless pop hooks amidst the '80s-revival dramatics. (Primary exception: the shimmering "Baby Boy...Baby Girl," a modern-day indie rock updating of the sound and feel of
Roxy Music's "Love Is the Drug.") Third-most striking: how this band of veterans from the alternative CCM community (including
Starflyer 59's Jason Martin in the production chair) has completely expunged all traces of Christian rock from this competent but largely characterless album. Overall,
Some Midnight Kissin' just isn't terribly interesting despite the obvious talent on display. ~ Stewart Mason