Some Assembly Required

subbacultcha
by Keith N. Dusenberry

Before The White Stripes, there were bands in Detroit that played rock ‘n’ roll. I know it’s hard to imagine but take another pull on that Pabst, my jean-jacketed hipster friend, and let’s look at one such phantasm. "The band formed in the late-‘80s with the Allen brothers (Joe and Scott) as the core from Madison Heights,” Some Assembly Required’s Brian Milne said. “It’s gone through a few lineups with the Allens as the steady members. Joe Santavicca and I joined earlier this year and the reorganized, regrouped, reenergized SAR hit the ground running and hasn’t looked back.” Imagine that! Now kids, I know how much you’re loving The Hold Steady lately. They’re so “real” sounding! Their blue collar, beer-after-hard-day’s-work sound goes well with those nights spent relaxing after the long days at your first real job. SAR sound kinda like that. “We are getting compared to The Hold Steady a little more these days,” Milne said. “An interesting thing is happening in Detroit right now. A lot of late-‘80s, early-‘90s garage rock bands are reforming and making an impact. There is us, See Dick Run, The Mod Father, Bazooka Jones — all of us have been in an out of the Detroit scene for years (and) are making a strong comeback of sorts.” SAR play The Ritz on Oct. 14. | RDW
- Real Detroit Weekly

Genre: Jangly Power Pop

Review: While I may not call Some Assembly Required a truly unique band due to their similarities other bands in the genre, I will still say that this album goes a long way toward cementing them as a great addition to the power pop scene. That did not stop Stray Cliches being one the most memorable and enjoyable listening experiences I had this year, which does not have a single weak track on it.

Tracklisting: Intro; What You Want To Hear; Take A Chance; Paper Doll; Miss Objectively; Marisol's Head; You're A Liar; She's Just Lost Her Mind; Dorian Gray; Made To Order; Break Free.

Personnel: Joe Allen - Vocals, guitars; Scott Allen - Drums, vocals; Brian - Guitars, vocals; Joe Santavicca - Bass, vocals.

Similar Artists: Pixies, R.E.M.

Playing Time: 33:44

- The Music Vault