Never Going Back to OK - Afters, The

Usually bands don't get into my "buy without thinking about it" level of things until they have several releases out. However, this being the second (third really, but that's a long story) album by the Afters has already gotten into "automatic purchase" for me. Part of that is my personal connection to the lead singer, having attended the same church for awhile. The other is that their last album was just damn GREAT!

Never Going Back was delayed a few times from its original end of 2007 release window. However, in late 2007, a single was put out for the title track through iTunes. So I checked it out, and it's a great, catchy (if a bit short at just 2:40) tune. I picked up the single, because well, I wanted to. My three year old LOVES the track (as do I). "Daddy! It's the new AFTERS!", and she starts jumping up and down all over the place. It's quite cool.

Then the album came out, and it wasn't as immediately accessible to me as their last one. That disappointed me a little. However, since I know them, I forced myself to listen more. I think part of it is the two most noticeable tracks (Never Going back to OK & Myspace Girl) are far more "poppy" and catchy than anything else on the album, so there's almost a disconnect between them and the rest of the album. That's not to say the rest of the album isn't good - it is. It's just not as "radio friendly" as the rest of the tracks.

While I still think the last album is more cohesive than this one, this too is a great release, and worthy of inclusion.