by Joe Mis
– Senior Columnist —
Reset The Dial is the fourth studio release from the New Jersey-based rock / power-pop quartet The Fletchers. Fans of old school guitar rock/pop/punk will most certainly appreciate this strong mix of simple, hard rocking melodies delivered with a ton of enthusiasm and recorded with an almost live feel.
Reset The Dial follows on the heels of Heroes of Gravity (2011), Lights Out Loud (2010), and Bright Blue Lights (2008), spitting out hints of almost every great rock act of the 60s through the 80s. The influences of The Rolling Stones, the Black Crowes, Foo Fighters, REM, and the Smithereens – among many others – are obvious but not overwhelming. The music made by The Fletchers is new but will pluck a nostalgic chord for older music fans, and like all truly good efforts in this genre it succeeds by evolving and blending these influences into something unique rather than settling for mere imitation.
The Fletchers are a talented bunch, and in the three year break since their last album they have grown up musically. Well crafted songs deal with themes of love, loss, solitude, restlessness, and rebirth – inspired by the band’s real life experiencesw. They deliver the tunes with the tight presentation that only a veteran act can achieve. Gary Kaplan (lead vocals, guitar) has an interesting voice, and while not the greatest pure singer his voice is very well suited to the music, and his enthusiasm overshadows any shortcomings. The other members all do a great job with backing-harmony vocals. Rob Freda’s guitar takes no prisoners whether punching out riffs or big solos. The rhythms of bassist Dan Coffey and drummer Cliff Heaton are refreshing crisp and lively. The album is warmly recorded, using few electronic enhancements – indeed it sounds almost like everything was recorded live in a single take.
The toe tap-inducing opener “Right For You” features some great guitar work both on rhythm and lead. The band seems to be channeling The Smithereens on “What You Want”. The strong vocals and flowing lyrics on “Please Me Now” call Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers to mind. The bouncy and spirited “Reset the Dial” is a real rocker with a brief but effective guitar solo. “Four Days” is simply fun – the band sounds like they’re loving it! The bouncy “All I Want Is You” is all about the drums and bass, but the twangy guitar break ices the cake. Great teamwork and lively delivery make this one a winner.
One of the true highlights of the album is a very well done cover of The Clash’s “London Calling”. They pump up the punk aspects and add some extra grit and swagger to make the classic tune unique. The uplifting “Above This” has a slightly more modern sound built around big guitar hooks and kicky drums, while the reflective “For The First Time” is all about bass and indie rhythms. Big bass and rapid-fire guitar hooks make the spirited “Hammer” a nice mix of punk and indie rock. “Perfect Daughter” is fully bass-driven, but it features some strong guitar fills, great vocals, and heartfelt lyrics. The closer, “Free Me,” is by far the hardest and heaviest song, bringing a late 70s feel and displaying the strongest guitar work on the album.
Overall, Reset The Dial is a pleasant and upbeat listen uniting old and new. The Fletchers have proven that old style guitar rock isn’t dead – and it still has a vital place on the musical landscape even when melded with indie rock. Fans of classic rock will not be disappointed, nor will indie-rock supporters. If your looking for something lighter, fun, and just a little different, The Fletchers’ Reset The Dial is definitely recommended.
Genre: Indie Rock, Power Pop
Band:
Gary Kaplan (lead vocals, guitar)
Rob Freda (guitar, backing vocals)
Dan Coffey (bass, backing vocals)
Cliff Heaton (drums, backing vocals)
Track Listing:
1. Right For You
2. What You Want
3. Please Me Now
4. Reset The Dial
5. Four Days
6. All I Want Is You
7. London Calling
8. Above This
9. For The First Time
10. Hammer
11. Perfect Daughter
12. Free Me
Label: Serious Machines Records
Website: http://www.thefletchersmusic.com/
Hardrock Haven rating: 8/10
