Shortly after releasing that excellent new James Sullivan LP, Stardumb Records is back with another label sound-expanding record. City In A Room, the fourth album from Local Drags – the solo project of Lanny Durbin (of Starter Jackets and Attic Salt), marks a significant departure from the label’s original pop punk blueprint as well as Local Drags’ 2019 debut. To be sure, it is still very much a Local Drags record and the stripped-down alt-poppin’ power pop sound is still here, but its scope is much broader. City In A Room showcases more than a little influence from Paul Westerberg, with shades of Tom Petty and Bruce Springsteen as well. While Durbin’s voice may not directly compare to these three legends, his songs exude the same heart, soul, and craftsmanship.
Local Drags are perfectly at home in their newfound sound. As always, Durbin’s earworm vocal melodies take center stage. His songs may not be complex at their core, but his songwriting has that sneaky-good quality, grabbing you when you least expect it. By now, I believe that anytime Durbin picks up a guitar, he’ll write something I like. All of his records made my album of the year lists, and without a doubt, City In A Room is as enjoyable and relatable of an album as anything in his songbook.
CD and LP (with different cover art) out now through Stardumb, and streaming everywhere. LP comes with a 24 page short story collection by Lanny Durbin. Can’t wait to check that one out as well.
Add to wantlist: Bandcamp (TBR) || Stardumb || Discogs