Album Mini-review: The Turnback — Are We There Yet?
File Next to: Greenberry Woods, Foo Fighters, Green Day
Big, roaring guitars that recalls Foo Fighters as much as Cheap Trick are the calling card of the supremely melodic sophomore release from this New York City-based trio. Highly charged close harmonies are supported by muscular, no-frills backing that is catchy without making any obvious concessions to crass commercialism. Each of the disc’s twelve tracks – eleven originals and a soaring remake of The Beatles‘ “Tomorrow Never Knows” – packs enough variety into its grooves to keep things musically interesting, yet the songs are all built around strong hooks designed to ensnare themselves in listeners’ minds. Are We There Yet? deftly balances heaviness with a broad-grin power pop aesthetic. Even when they slightly slow the tempo (as on the melancholy “Unmotivated”), the energy never flags. The album is a welcome reminder how how much can be accomplished with guitar, bass, drums, and vocals, and without keyboards and fancy production trickery.
About the Author
Bill Kopp
With a background in marketing and advertising, Bill Kopp got his professional start writing for Trouser Press. After a stint as Editor-in-chief for a national music magazine, Bill launched Musoscribe in 2009, and has published new content every business day since then (and every single day since 2018). The 4500-plus interviews, essays, and reviews on Musoscribe reflect Bill's keen interest in American musical forms, most notably rock, jazz, and soul. His work features a special emphasis on reissues and vinyl. Bill's work also appears in many other outlets both online and in print. He regularly hosts lecture/discussions on artists and albums of historical importance (including monthly events Music to Your Ears and Music Movie Mondays), and is a frequent guest on music-focused radio programs and podcasts. In Spring 2023 he taught a history of Rock 'n' Roll at UNC Asheville's College for Seniors. He also researches and authors liner notes for album reissues -- more than 30 to date -- and co-produced a reissue of jazz legend Julian "Cannonball" Adderley's final album. His first book, Reinventing Pink Floyd: From Syd Barrett to The Dark Side of the Moon was published by Rowman & Littlefield in 2018, and in paperback in 2019. His second book, Disturbing the Peace: 415 Records and the Rise of New Wave, was published in 2021 by HoZac Books. His third book, What's the Big Idea: Great Concept Albums will be published in 2024. Read even more about him here.