INDIE ALBUM OF THE WEEK

Youth is often romanticised in the world of music – a time when nothing could be better and everyone is happy about everything. There is, of course, rain and stormy weather to go against this proverbial sunshine and rainbows – often provided, ironically enough, by the people still in that phase of their life.

This is where Modern Baseball come in – a Philadelphian quartet that does a blend of second-wave emo, college rock and the kind of pop-punk that got great reviews but was never accessible enough for the major labels.

Lyrically, the band’s second album recalls social anxiety, messy breakups and nights you wish you could forget about – check the fantastic one-two punch of ‘Your Graduation’ and ‘Two Good Things’ towards the end of the tracklisting. It comes through the lens of vocalist/guitarist Brendan Lukens, who sounds like a hybrid of The Weakerthans’ John K. Sampson and They Might Be Giants’ John Flansburgh. Although initially peculiar, You’re Gonna Miss It All is the kind of album that greatly rewards repeat listens. After a while, it begins to feel like home.

It’s honest, it’s authentic and it’s one of the most surprising albums of the year. Time you were involved.

4/5.

You’re Gonna Miss It Allis out now through Run For Cover / Cooking Vinyl.

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