It's Time for The Changes

Not really. I'm talking about another Chicago band called The Changes. If you haven't heard of them yet, you're not alone. Although they're relatively popular within the confines of the Windy City, the word hasn't spread too fast to the rest of the country. But don't let that sway you. The Changes' debut Today is Tonight is a trippy-indie-pop-album that sounds a lot like the lo-fi product of The Strokes from their fantastic debut Is This It?

Today is Tonight, however, doesn't have all the weightiness about it that The Strokes had. This is an album that isn't lacking in substance, but then again, it isn't a model in breathtaking songwriting either. Nevertheless, it would be a shame to talk down this album. Today is Tonight is about an aesthetic and the band has carefully manicured the album to preserve it. The songs are quite different from one another but they have a certain coherence to them that enhances the total package. Where many bands simply forget the album concept and think only in terms of singles, The Changes seem to have put consistently great tracks on Today is Tonight.

Take for example, the song "When I Wake", which features a 'The Ark-esque' guitar riff and an Elton John-a-la-Crocodile-Rock playfulness to it, is simply 3:15 of bliss. "Modern Love" begins immediately with a rather catchy beat and an even more infectious verse that leads into a very U2-like chorus. My favorite, "Sisters", has a piano-based riff that delivers more electro-pop ecstasy than anything I've heard. During the bridge, the 'Listen to your heart beat' part is divine.

I should stop writing. Go and buy the album.
Listen to "Sisters" (4.91 / 5)
Listen to "When I Wake" (4 / 5)