Jeremy Messersmith “Fox/Coyote”
Jeremy Messersmith’s latest record, ‘Fox/Coyote,’ didn’t slip under my radar. Released in April, it has been sitting on my review list, waiting for its turn. Now that I’ve spent some time with it, I’m glad I did. This is a strong musical statement, an “easy listening” record on the surface, but underneath those inviting melodies are sharp observations, lyrical wit, and plenty of emotional defiance.
Messersmith has never been afraid to speak his mind. Following the invasion of ICE agents into Minneapolis, he unleashed the single “Fuck This.” ‘Fox/Coyote’ isn’t nearly as strident, but the record carries plenty of the same conviction. “Billionaires” rides a laconic beat while imagining a more equal society, while “Boomers” is a mid-tempo ballad seemingly designed to provoke a reaction. Messersmith knows exactly how much tension to build into a beautiful melody. “Stallions” is a standout, a surprisingly touching song about finding love in midlife. “Can’t Get Out of My Way” turns awkward self-reflection into something both funny and painfully relatable, while “I Don’t Trust That Boy” delivers a steady jangle wrapped around a father’s advice. It’s an thoughtful album without becoming ponderous, political without turning into a lecture, and melodic enough to make you want to come back for another listen. Highly Recommended.
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Hurry “Zoned Out”
The Philadelphia power pop band, Hurry is back. Lead songwriter Matt Scottoline wears his early Teenage Fanclub influence proudly. Hurry kicks off “All Sunk In” with crunchy guitars and rich harmonies before the lead synth arrives to carry the melody. The title track “Zoned Out” is a another example of the laid-back melodic approach. “Moving After You” takes the connection even further, featuring Teenage Fanclub’s own Gerald Love on vocals. Notable tracks include “Just Fine” and “The Dumbest Person You’ve Ever Seen.”
Nostalgia has always been part of power pop, and there’s nothing wrong with leaning into your influences. Still, a little more variety in the songwriting and arrangements would have pushed ‘Zoned Out’ to another level. Even so, this is an easy recommendation for anyone who misses the fuzz guitars and Gerald Love’s influence from the current lineup of Teenage Fanclub. For some listeners, that’s all you need.