Arriving over five years after their masterful Now You’ve Really Done It, this self-titled, sixth album from The Webstirs proves they can still be counted on for clever lyrics set to catchy arrangements. It also confirms their long-time symbiotic relationship with producer Matt Allison. As with their fellow Chicagoans The Bad Examples, these guys seem to draw inspiration from Chris Difford and Glenn Tilbrook’s well-crafted compositions for Squeeze.
Guitarist-vocalist Preston Pisellini and keyboards player-vocalist Mark Winkler traditionally handle the songwriting chores for The Webstirs, but now they have an additional collaborator with guitarist-vocalist Doug Bobenhouse from the band The Sun Sawed In Half. He was credited with “additional vocals” on Now You’ve Really Done It, and joins Pisellini and Winkler on harmonies here as an official member. Bass player Gregg Juhlin from The Slugs is another new addition; drummer Jordan Kozer from The Redwalls, came onboard in 2009.
“Ordinary Shapes,” the third single from the album, is a prime example of The Webstirs’ knack for well-crafted pop. With trumpet playing by guest musician John Hagstrom, the energetic power pop arrangement is also notable for how well all three voices come together. “Should Be Letting Go,” a look at ending a relationship, kicks off the album with its driving beat, while the gorgeous “All Is Not Lost” strikes a more optimistic note.
“Not Coming Back” is a gospel song with a non-gospel message, while the slower “Lowest Of The Low” offers a thought-provoking change of pace. The defiant “(I Don’t Want You To) Show Me The Way” rocks to a suitably punchy arrangement. This collection lacks a truly quirky gem such as “Maurice Klybatzia” on their 1994 album Smirk (re-released in 2011) but it’s still a worthy new edition from this consistently inventive band.
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