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Hailing from Toronto with influences from across the board, Sweet
Thing delivers an incredible pop-rock sound. Their self-titled
EP, which was released in 2006, offered enough of an addictive
pop quality that Rob Schnapf, producer of a slew of Elliot
Smith records as well as Beck's Mellowgold,
was put on the job to produce this five piece's album. Production
value like this doesn't go unnoticed. Some of the lyrics and general
song structure may come off as sophomoric or just generally lacking,
but the production, as well as quality musicianship, comes into
play in a big way to make this record very listenable and, at
times, even seems to go a step beyond pop tunes and offers a genuine
connection with the listener. It's hard to get past some of the
ridiculous lyrics these guys pump out. If you are into Bryan
Adams songs being performed in the same vein as Hot Hot
Heat and Jet songs, then the bulk of this album might
be right up your alley. Parts of the album skate around the labels
of dance rock at times and may also be reminiscent of some styles
by Vampire Weekend and maybe Panic! At The Disco.
As harsh as this review may appear, there are, without a doubt,
a few real killer tracks.
Sweet Thing was originally released in 2006 as an EP but
is finalized now as a ten-track LP. A few tracks have made their
way into the public eye by the ways of internet buzz, but most
likely more specifically from the 2010 movie Easy A which
contained the opening track "Change Of Seasons". This
track is a little more over the top than the rest; on top of that
the hook is all too similar to that of a Bono line. Tracks
like "Gun" and "Over Me" might take the cake
for uninspired lyrics. Beyond those two though, the rest tend
to have their saving graces. "Winter Night" offers a
little change of pace, but the vocals get pretty nasally before
unveiling some very solid harmonies and a Yamaha string section.
The real rockers on the album are "Dance Mother" and
"Duo Tang". "Duo Tang" sounds very out of
place on this album and almost sounds influenced by The Taxpayers.
"Dance Mother" is definitely a solid track, and fans
of Eagles Of Death Metal's second album may find a guilty
pleasure in this pop-rock tune.
The first track on the album that really raises the bar is "Lazy
Susan", give it a listen, it deserves it. And then, as if
it wasn't predictable enough, the final track is a slowed down
outro type number that may or may not have been written by Sarah
McLachlan. Fan's of pop-rock, dive in, eat it up, and leave
the tin spinning and bare. Rockers, you have been warned…
-Brad Knain
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