The Front Bottoms – Rose (Album Review)

The Front Bottoms have been popular in recent years on the college scene while growing a strong fan base. From Bergen County, New Jersey, the band has been together since 2007, releasing three albums and playing many colleges in that time.  Their self-titled album gave them a lot of notoriety with the song “Twin Sized Mattress”, among many others, coming from the heart with a very real and honest approach. Simply, The Front Bottoms are an indie folk-punk band comprised of vocalist/guitarist Brian Sella and drummer Matthew Uychich.  Signed to Bar/None Records, in June they released their latest EP Rose and recently wrapped up a successful tour with Say Anything.

Over the years The Front Bottoms have taken on the do-it-yourself approach to every aspect of their career including their album creation, posters, and touring; and it is very apparent with Rose as well.  Known for how catchy and danceable their songs seem to be, despite the subject matter, this is clearly made true in the opening “Flying Model Rockets”.  The second track “Lipstick Covered Magnet” still contains that happy yet sad undertone, calling upon the metaphor of being kicked in the face and beautiful words just falling out like broken teeth. “12 Feet Deep” is all about living in a fragile relationship, living in water “12 feet deep with boots made of concrete.” The guitar strums throughout the record seem to be raw and heavy. This particular song is extremely reminiscent for many of early college days, simply enjoying the social life and the parties. There is a smooth transition in tempos which gives it a nice touch.  Featuring guest vocals of Natalie Newbold of Dollys, “Jim Bogart” continues the ideals of requiting love; doing whatever is necessary to keeping love alive. It ends with the lesson of “Sometimes things don’t work out/ the way you want them to”.   The second to last song, “Be Nice to Me”, takes a more upbeat turn and also remains true to the rest of the material.  The song tells a sad tale of the end of a relationship as it turns from bad to simply ugly. The sixth and final song, “Awkward Conversations”, talks about fake and awkward moments in life, from conversations to awkward hugs, which are situations that everyone has gone through.

Rose remains true to who The Front Bottoms are as a band and they will continue to have a rising and promising future. Showing they never disappoint their fans, known for their sincerity and subtlety, it shines thoroughly on this thoughtfully crafted EP.  CrypticRock give Rose 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Bar/None Records