Note: Frenemies is the brainchild of Chris Freeland, founding member of Oxes and sometimes drummer of Will Oldham, Cass McCombs and Dave Pajo.
Also Note: The album is a digital only release at the moment, so it’s only available on iTunes, eMusic and other online outlets.
Sound: A loose and lo-fi showcase of several classic indie rock flavors – from the fuzzy guitar, punky pulse, prominent bass and all-over-the-place percussion of Sebadoh and The Pixies to the syncopated rhythms and dark moods of The Clash and Radio 4 to the bouncy synths and jangly guitars of New Order. It all feels a little disjointed, but the consistently breathy and earnest vocals help hold Birds In High School together.
Heavy Rotation tracks: none
Medium Rotation tracks: “Turned Around”; “Everybody Wants a Piece of You”; “Rose’s Song”
Explicit Lyrics*: “Everybody Wants a Piece of You” (track 3 is explicit, but track 11 is a radio edit)
Recommended: Some of the most promising songs fizzle out half way through the track, but there’s an endearing underdog spirit and charm that runs throughout this varied stew.
Grade: B-

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* Noting of explicit lyrics is for the benefit of radio music directors or anyone else that needs/wants to keep their music FCC-friendly.