The Kickbacks – Motel Stars

The Kickbacks
Motel Stars

Though The Kickbacks have been kicking around for near 10 years, this is the first time I’ve heard their stuff. Dominating their sound is an Americana Rock feel that a lot of people are going to say reminds them of none other than The Replacements. But wait, they’re from Boston.

Songs like “$$$” and “Lazy Eye” from their fourth release, Motel Stars, are have a really melodic feel to them that surprisingly catchy. Other songs, like “Fixed to Be Broken” are a bit more mellow. This one has pretty little chimes and a beatbox drum bumbling along. “Tip My Girl” is similar, with a pedal steel leading the way. I rather like this quieter side of the band. Reminds me of certain Wilco songs, even Sparklehorse at times. Overbaugh’s voice is interesting; it is slightly nasal with a compressed tension to it that makes it sound like the words aren’t coming out of his gut but somewhere higher up in his chest. This actually goes rather well with the music. If you had a straightforward singer here, I might be inclined to take a pass. Instead, I surprised myself by leaving it in the CD player for more than a day…

Band Members:

Tad Overbaugh – Vocals, Guitar
Steve Scott – Guitar, Vocals, Keys
Matt Arnold – Bass
Perry James – Drums

Band Website:

www.thekickbacks.com

by Palebear