The Town Heroes have accumulated quite the impressive back catalogue over their time traversing the maritime music scene and beyond. They have swapped out their distorted guitars for prioritizing piano on their fifth full-length album which sets some of their more raucous tunes against a more stripped down and bare-bones backing. Again finds the band at their Harvest-era Neil Young-est as they colour familiar pictures in a much more stark and minimalist way.
The new approach truly serves to spotlight both the lyrics and vocals of Michael S. Ryan as his strained, seemingly sorrowful singing is given plenty of room to shine. His delivery is earnest, thoughtful, and emotive and benefits greatly from the added intimacy of the more Alt-Country accompaniment. Ryan is periodically joined on the set by Tori Cameron as a backing/harmonizing vocal partner. The mingling of the two voices along with as usual excellent musicianship crafts tender and graceful renditions of previously released material.
The greatest contrast from originals to Again’s offerings is unsurprisingly the elder additions to the setlist. Songs like “New York City” and “More” take on a very different vibe when the ’90s alt rock-influenced chunky guitars and hard-hitting drums get the boot in favour of the softer arrangements (shakers and finger snaps abound). The generally slower pace featured across Again allows the backing to take its time and build to its emotional heights along with the vocals. This album serves as a stirring testament to the original duo’s growth as well as the contributions of Cameron and guitarist Aaron Green. Again soundly strikes that sweet spot between fresh and familiar.
This latest release fits much more as a companion piece to an acoustic live set, it builds a sense of connection between the listener, the musicians, and their works. The confidence in and care taken with The Town Heroes more essentially rock songs throughout this process shows in its own way from track to track. Longtime fans can enjoy the nostalgia and memories and more recent or future fans may end up discovering and appreciating the originals.