Antenna's first album is an experiment in guitar-pop, infusing former
Blake Babies John Strohm and Freda Love's Boston brand of power pop with a Midwestern flavor courtesy of guitarist Vess Ruhtenberg and bassist Jake Smith. All four members have distinguished musical records outside of
Antenna, and the competing strength of their musical personalities makes
Sway sounds forced in some patches. But the record proves solid over its course, with forceful hooks battering their way into listeners' heads, and Strohm's personal lyrics giving the songs a comfortable edge. Ruhtenberg's one songwriting contribution, "Girl Who Fell To Earth" singlehandedly predicts his post-
Antenna work with
United States Three.
Sway shows the band's aptitude for variations on a theme: the soft, soulful "Snakes," the funky "Say A Prayer" and wall-of-distorted-guitar closer "Blood Red" all have the same gorgeous power-pop feel. ~ Troy Carpenter