Huxster’s third, self-titled CD delivers plenty of the fun modern pop-rock the trio has become known for. Compressed guitar leads, concise, precise rhythms, and tidy beats are the order of the day. Yet, within their tightly packed sounds are tiny, shiny gems, nuggets of good guitar phrasing, riffing, tricky drum fills, and a steady bass holding up the song architectures.
Opening with “I’ll Find A Way,” the trio immediately lay claim to the lively pop rock that has become their trademark. Catchy, melodic, and beat driven, they sound fresh, new, original, not following any patterned method to arrive at the sound they create. This likable opener points a clear direction for the rest of the album.
“Guns N’ Roses” continues the Huxster use of peppy pop rock rhythms, enticing melodies, and catchy vocal parts. Lead singer Paul Amenta applies his running, honey smooth voice to enticing lyrical lifts, making the chorus extra catchy while he slaps out some fetching riffs. He eventually presses out a laser beam guitar phase, lean, direct, and very hot.
Amenta gently riffs his way into “Highway Song” before making it sound like a wider anthem, a message of freedom that needs his kind of vocal approach and timbre to work. Amazingly enough, this seemingly simple pop ditty has a narrative arc that can be found and felt in the music. Although this trio believe in serving their songs more than showing off their instrumental chops, the listener can discern plenty of quality in their delivery. Within their tight, compact sound, there are plenty of moments of guitar and bass magic as well as subtle twists in the drumming.
“Four Words” finds Amenta playing his keyboards, adding a nice extra layer of rhythm, thickening the song with more of a cool vibe. His swaying lead guitar phrase exposes the raw sorrow of the lyrics and the whole thing moves forward like plaintive, soulful cry for help, not unlike many others sad songs but with a twist. The chorus “You let me down” speaks volumes about the song’s sense of misplaced trust and all the pain that comes with it.
“No Surprise” makes further use of easeful playing and subtle vocal nuances to convey emotion. Once Huxster have you in the palm of their hands, they edge things up a bit. Joe Patten’s drum intervals are adeptly filled while the David Dunn bass supports everything without being intrusive. It’s just a peppy, mid-tempo rocker with an alluring guitar surge and an intriguingly sung chorus.
Lively touches of guitar and vocals bring “Facing The Fact” to shining life. This tight ditty is like a small craft work carved out of a hard substance. The listener can practically see the trio creating this song with their appropriate touches, like watching someone craft artwork out of wood. The parts fit perfectly together to arrive at something fresh, lively, invigorating.
“Out Of Your Head” pushes its way into the listener’s consciousness with an edgy riff, a bouncy bass line, and a backbeat that cannot be ignored. After the trio lull one into this song, they intrigue even further with peppy sounds and yet another infection chorus. Its guitar phrase skips around the beat with unfailing, edgy grace, and it soon becomes obvious that this could be their next hit song on local radio.
“Any Other Day” is a rolling, sweeping number, moving down the tracks at its own sweet pace and pulling in everything around it with its wide reach. The trio’s chorus is still hooky as hell, even at this mellower pace and cushier texture, showing they can stretch out their sound and still be fun and infectious.
“Far Away” races along with an edgy, slightly country guitar line and a nimble rhythm section. Listeners can move their feet to this as well as enjoy the vigorous musicianship. There is magic in the vocals too, Amenta’s as well as his harmony lines with David Dunn, warmly wrapping even more feeling around this ever so pleasant pop ditty.
Huxster closes out with “Roll Me Over,” another of their embraceable pop ditties. Harmonies, compressed guitar phrasing, and adept drumming come together form the tenth winsome tune from this trio.
Huxster have again done what they do best. Compose and record some of the best pop rock songs in New England’s vast music scene. This self-titled third album will only grow on listener with each repeated listening.
