Music Review

Help Wanted Nights is the latest release from Cursive frontman Tim Kasher’s side project, The Good Life. Showing quieter, more folky influences than Cursive’s sludgy rock, Help Wanted Nights is another reason Omaha is one of the best indie-rock cities in America.

The Good Life strips things down to the bare elements—guitars, bass, drums and vocals. Kasher’s voice is thick with a rich character of strained misunderstandings and wine-filled nights. The songs have a passionate feel without seeming over the top or pseudo-emotional.

The album starts with the late night, last call feel of “On The Picket Fence.” “A Little Bit More” has an acoustic-pop style similar to something from Lawrence’s The New Amsterdams. “Heartbroke” has an old ska feel with offbeat guitars and driving beats. “So Let Go” is a desolate track brimming with a hope for something better. And the closer, “Rest Your Head,” is ten minutes of upbeat rock bliss.

Four stars

 

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