Augustines

Brooklyn bands and ancient Christian theologians don't usually make comfy bedfellows, so it's good to see this outfit embracing their namesake's belief in re-establishing old tenets. Like their debut, Rise Ye Sunken Ships , the new album wears its heart on its sleeveless T-shirt, and it's clear frontman Billy McCarthy is a believer in using art to tease out personal trauma and turmoil. As a result, much of Augustines is heavy, serious and slightly ponderous as the band thunder away. It's a sound that has designs on the big music as most recently crafted by the likes of The Gaslight Anthem and The Hold Steady, but without the lightness of touch of one and the lyrical panache of the other. Kid You're on Your Own and Weary Eyes have plenty of sass and crackle, but the rest merges into wallpaper. Searingly honest, emotionally charged wallpaper, but wallpaper all the same. weareaugustines.com
Download: Kid You're on Your Own