The New Frustrations - Lifetime

It's hard for me to believe that Plymouth, Massachusetts' The New Frustrations have been a band for 17 years. But the math sure works out! Brian, Rick, and Tom have been through a lot, but they've kept The New Frustrations going through three iterations of the band. Through it all, they've remained one of the most dependable power pop groups out there and one of my favorite bands, period. To say these guys are underrated would be the understatement of the year. The band has had to reinvent itself a little with each new lineup, but fundamentally you know what you're getting with The New Frustrations: well-written, hook-laden pop songs with lots of punch. The band's new EP Lifetime is only its third. If we've learned anything about New Frustrations EPs, it's that they only happen every 7-9 years and always leave us wanting more. Lifetime was produced by the great Dave Minehan, and you can definitely hear his influence on this release. Clearly this was a case where the band and the producer were on the same wavelength, and what results is an absolutely tremendous EP. 

As a lean power trio, Brian, Rick, and Tom have developed a sound of their own. Lifetime mostly leaves behind the '70s punk influences of the band's early releases. The vibe I'm getting from these songs is '80s college radio meets classic Boston power pop. "Won't Let U Down" is rockin' power pop straight out of the textbook. The title track and 'I Can't Be" sound like the best songs Grant Hart and Bob Mould never wrote. "Words You Never Said" recalls the power pop side of The Replacements. "Diane (Happy Hunting)" is a moving character sketch and one of the catchiest pop songs you could ever hope to hear. The surprise track is "Laura," which finds The New Frustrations going all-in on bar band rock 'n' roll. It's a song you never would have anticipated based on the band's previous releases, yet it's great fun and not at all out of step with the timeless garage rock that has reigned supreme in New England for decades. I've been spinning this EP in the car for weeks, and I just can't get enough of these songs. Luckily I've been spared the impossible choice of deciding which songs to embed below. The EP doesn't come out until next weekend, and "Lifetime" is the only track currently available. But trust me: if you like "Lifetime," you'll love the whole EP.  It will be available Saturday on Bandcamp and Spotify!

-L.R.  

https://thenewfrustrations.bandcamp.com/album/lifetime
https://open.spotify.com/artist/2f1ZRhD2EW632ooJxFguv5
https://www.facebook.com/thenewfrustrations/