Ex-noise rockers settle into new identity

On last year‰’s New Moon, The Men made headlines by exploring alt-country in addition to their punkier, noisier sound that they made their bones off of, essentially splitting that record into two halves. There‰’s no such dichotomy on Tomorrow‰’s Hits, as the group dives head first into more classicist rock n roll sounds while still keeping a unique identity, sounding like Tom Petty reimagined by Guided by Voices. This is probably best expressed on the opener “Dark Waltz,‰” which is ostensibly about wanting to have a good time and just play rock n roll, but with its minor chord progression and aloof harmonica outro, still has a sense of darkness, of loneliness, of sheer dark stranger brooding in a corner cool. Keeping with this darkly sweet vibe, The Men don‰’t totally abandon their louder and faster days. “Pearly Gates‰” is a raucous rocker featuring the disorienting combination of classic rock guitar and high-speed steel pedal and “Different Days‰” uses a horn section as just another layer of sound in an overwhelming curtain of sound. Tomorrow‰’s Hits may not seem like much at first, but, trust me, repeat listens reveal it to be a hugely satisfying if not curious release.

RIYL: Tom Petty, Dinosaur Jr., if Wilco went more lo-fi
Recommended: 1, 6-8