By: Becky Firesheets
Rating: 10/11 (seriously)

The Press’s latest album, INTEOTWIJTEOAE, is a true gem in the muddy swamp of Brooklyn music.  It’s upbeat, funky, foot-stompin’ and hard-rockin’, all at the same time.  The band transitions flawlessly from one style to the next, often within individual songs, and serves up a nice dose of instrumental breakdowns throughout the album.  Far from self-indulgent, these breakdowns showcase The Press’s tight style and overall “have fun while rocking out” attitude.

The album starts off with a trippy, experimental track that somehow leads nicely into the next song, “Master,” an in-your-face tune reminiscent of a grittier Walkmen.  Singer/guitarist Mike Henry shines on lead yet the backup vocals are just as on-pitch and heartfelt.  The entire bands maintains a sense of driving urgency throughout the song, like something incredibly important is looming around the corner.  Then they unleash their poppy, boppy side on “Pattern Mill” with drummer Chuck Davis weaving a happy, two-step beat throughout the catchy guitar and bass riffs.  As if a sudden switch from upbeat pop to punk rock aggression in the middle of a song is completely normal and understandable, The Press make the change without missing a fraction of a beat.  INTEOTWIJTEOAE continues in this manner, brilliantly hopping all over the genre board in a wonderfully schizophrenic yet somehow cohesive way. 

These perfect transitions through multiple genres are the bright point of this release.  Not only does The Press nail the actual transitions but then they really nail the new style they’re suddenly playing.  It is impossible and unfair to label this group as just one thing.  They are rock, pop, punk, twang, ska, folk, and Americana, all in the first half of INTEOTWIJTEOAE.

Returning to the two-step beat as well as the driving harmonies, aggressive passages and pop melodic joy, The Press continues pushing temporary rock standards with a vibrant horn section on “Bless This Mess” (an album highlight) and more elegant, ballad-like riffs and vocals in the opening of “Continental Divide.”   The rotating lead singers (guitarist David Schnieder, bassist Alex Picca and Henry) could potentially create confusion, but not in the hands of these musicians.  The vocals are solid in every song, each singer turning simple lyrics into an exciting message (i.e., “Why don’t you call me on the phone?” somehow becomes beautiful and insightful).  This band has far surpassed boundaries other bands shy away from, meshing seemingly unconnected sounds in surprising and supremely satisfying ways.

After a fun ride, The Press sends off their fans with “Jellyfish Wranger,” a smooth, calm song with dreamy, echoe-y vocals and a tasteful, well-executed drum line.  Check out their CD Release show this Saturday, April 3^rd at Matchless and buy your copy of INTEOTWIJTEOAE for only $5.  But be prepared: The Press will pop/folk/punk/rock your socks off.