When I first started listening to Poison Control Center I found myself drawn to it because it kind of made me uncomfortable but still really curious. The Iowa based rockers make really intense music that buzzes with a level of energy you can almost feel right through the speakers. I did eventually adjust to PCCs flavor of punk and with the discomfort abated the allure only grew – I should note seeing them live also served to stoke those fires. When Stranger Ballet came across the wire I was super excited to see what the fellas had to offer since they had promised me something fresh. They were not kidding.
This album made me sit up on my couch and literally say out loud “I need to write about this right now.” I’ve got a really tender spot for Noah & The Whale’s lead singer Charlie Fink’s voice. It’s has an incredibly comforting timbre with a rather distinct growl rolling just below the surface. On the group’s third album The Last Night On Earth Fink is as fantastic as ever but it is presented in a whole new light. All ten tracks resonate with a sense of optimism and musically prove that NATW have built their own sonic comfort zone. There are clear influences – “Wild Thing” smacks of Tom Petty’s influence – a matter of fact delivery countered by a lush back up vocals and there is no doubt that NATW have listened to their fair share of 80′s new wave pop but they have made a sound truly their own.