The Actual – In Stitches
Brimming with pop-punk energy whilst resonating pop-rock sentiments, The Actual are an infectious four-piece from LA that deliver a technically adept brand of accessible rock music. Their second album, 'In Stitches', co-produced by none other than Velvet Revolver frontman Scott Weiland, promises to turn a few heads in the music world with their polished riffs, rhythmic lyrics and streamlined summer sound.
Album opener, 'The Pride of the Echelon', is a great benchmark. A skilfully woven tapestry of clean electric riffs, softly chugging verses and soaring choruses, the song interlocks effortlessly with frontman Max Bernstein's husky pop-vocals and rhythmic sense of lyrical delivery. The Actual have a very organic sound – instrumental fills smoothly link each segment of their songs together whilst the vocals wrap tightly around the beat. As each syllable seamlessly slides into place, the songs take on a pleasingly natural quality, creating a killer hook that draws the listener to the band, and leaves them humming the melodies for the rest of the day.
Following up the impressive opener with other great tracks, such as the memorable punky number 'Needle Park', a song that features my favourite riff of the summer, the charming 'Between the Bridge and the Chapel' and the uplifting anthem 'September had a Trigger Finger', The Actual show that they are no one-trick-ponies. In fact, 'In Stitches' doesn't contain a single bad track. Sprinkling each poppy number with delicate guitar playing filled with hidden subtleties, The Actual set their bar high – and stick to it throughout the record's forty-three minute running time.
Creating a connective album without any noticeably poor songs is quite an achievement, but it does lead to my sole criticism of the band – their tracks do have the tendency to merge into each other; if you're not careful four or five songs will drift by before you realise. The slick production and natural vibes curb any sense of raw passion or frantic urgency that would make 'In Stitches' a great album rather than just a very good one. I can't imagine Weezer's 'Buddy Holly' having the same effect if not for the slightly loose presentation, and so I'm left wondering just where this album could have gone if the band had chosen to leave this gem a little unpolished.
In spite of this, 'In Stitches' is still a good album. Musically striking and lyrically soothing – if a little inoffensive: the main focus here is girls – it is tastily upbeat, easy on the ears and filled with memorable licks. Though the record won't be released in the UK until September 3rd, you can pick it up at all good download websites.