Rating: NNN
Had the Milwaukee three-piece Jaill (formerly Jail) been able to keep up the sunny, feel-good brilliance of Traps’ first half, this album (their third) would be a standout of the year. Those songs perfect a balance between slacker rock dotted with wonky guitar solos and accomplished Shinsesque power pop. It never gets overly twee, saccharine or straightforward and always stays robustly rhythmic and tuneful.
The rest of Traps is by no means a let-down, but the acoustic-guitar-driven Madness and the experimental, meandering Million Times pack less punch and feel longer than their respective two and a half and three minutes. Occasionally, Vinnie Kircher’s vocal melodies bring to mind the Beach Boys, like on House With Haunting and While You Reload.
The fun returns at the end, with Ten Teardrops and the danceable grooves of Stone Froze Mascot. Definitely a turn-it-up album to add to your summertime playlist.
Top track: Everyone’s A Bitch
