Hold for Swank

"Three years down and starting over": not just the opening line to Hold For Swank's song "It's OK" but an accurate depiction of the band's transformation since its previous album, "This is Why We Can't Have Nice Things." Three years later, Hold For Swank has a few nice things: a new drummer, an awesome new CD, and tons of inspiration.

If it wasn't for bad luck with women, Eric Nelson (vocals, guitar) wouldn't have any luck at all. But then, Hold For Swank might not have a new album, "Get Confident, Stupid!" to promote. This album title, like the last one, is a nod to "The Simpsons" but it's also advice Nelson would be wise to take to heart. Doing so, however, might rob the world of tracks like "Have a Great Summer, Don't Change" (about not knowing what to do when various girls from his past resurface at a moment's notice), "As You Wish" (about preferring to rent his own favorite movies on a first date) or "A New Season" (proclaiming to be "over" a girl who still obviously occupies his brain).

And if it wasn't for the improving and evolving style of Max Kenkel (bass, vocals) and the energetic and dynamic approach of Nick Talley (drums, percussion), the tracks on "Get Confident, Stupid!" wouldn't sound nearly as confident as they do. Kenkel nails harmonies on "The Record Skips" and extracts exactly what needs to be sung on "Andre Extra Dry Has a Posse." Exciting rhythms, explosive turns and fantastic fills are Talley's signatures, found on "Your Bedroom Floor," "Summer," "Wish," "Andre" and all the rest.

Working with producer Matt Sepanic (Slipknot, the Envy Corps) at Sound Farm Recording Studio and Environment in Jamaica, Iowa, opened the trio's eyes to the possibilities that lay within "Get Confident's" 17 tracks, as Sepanic pushed and prodded the guys to their best performances. Doug Van Sloun put the final sheen on the disc at Focus Mastering, helping to create a CD for which the members of Hold For Swank should keep their chins up.

After seeing television success with eight songs from its previous album (including "Does She Realize?" and "Big City Life For a Small Town Girl") appearing on various reality shows ("MTV True Life," "The Bad Girls Club" and "Real World/Road Rules Challenge"), Hold For Swank hopes even more bad girls, RV drivers and Southern belles catch on with "Get Confident, Stupid!" and help the band continue to deflower virgin ears for weeks, months and years to come.