For a band from Boston, Louder My Dear sound suspiciously like London in the late 70s. More specifically, LMD sound like late-period The Jam. With his Paul Weller-esque drawl, I expect leader David Grabowski to break into “That’s Entertainment” at any moment. What a welcome surprise.
Much of What’s The Matter With You, Rock? is acoustic-based indie rock, which makes sense when you consider that the bulk of the record was written by Grabowski before the band ever formed. Though every song gets the full-band treatment, you can hear the bedroom roots in every track.
WTHWYR is surprisingly well produced for a debut release on a tiny indie label (Midriff Records). Subtle electronics coupled with occasional horns and strings make the tracks pop. Any one of these songs could hold its own on any progressively-minded radio station alongside the current indie rock playlist.
With ballads like American Standard and Little Boat and poppy rockers like Two Cars and Clamshack, WTHWYR has the variety to match any self-respecting music fan’s tastes.
–George Dow