I kinda like these guys. They're like the guy at work that's into music kinda close to what you like. I have an industrial guy, an emo kid, and a guy who really likes the BEATLES at my work. Would I hang out with them outside of work? Probably not. But they're OK and I enjoy their company. That's kinda how this ANTLER disc is. It has moments that shine, especially when they sound like a good pub band like the FACES or something Rod Stewart or Bob Seger would have done when they were still cool. But at the same time there are sour moments like those awkward talks you have with co-workers. Usually it's when they talk about the big two taboos (religion and politics) and you have to be nice and grimace through it.

One of these days these guys will learn their lessons and make a disc with more of their good sides and less of the stuff you don't want. They have a lot of moments that remind me of those times when you get stuck in an elevator with someone you hate and it seems like the elevator is never gonna get to the floor you need. Like where's the good stuff I liked? Why don't you stop rambling and get to the point or just be quiet?

This would have made a good EP and I would listen to that more patiently, but when I can listen to 4 songs in the time it takes them to get through a single ANTLER song, its just comes across long-winded (especially on a Friday after a long week of fighting off illness and ignoring the stack of Japanese and European hardcore records I've had collecting dust since last Friday). Bottom line : I hope these guys can understand the need to get to the point and leave some of the more annoying late-era STONES and weird METALLICA moments ( Some of the guitars sound like METALLICA's clean-toned stuff like "To Live Is To Die" and the backing vocals sound like Hetfield from time to time). Maybe if they did that, I would be more willing to go to lunch with them and possibly take smoke breaks with them. But no after hours socializing. Ever.

- Two Tub Tony

OFFICIAL SITE: myspace.com/antlerboston

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