On their 2023 album This Sporting Life, The Smashing Times gave their loyal fanbase the pop hits they crave, leaning into their accessible side and letting catchy melodies take center stage over their more experimental tendencies. But just because this Baltimore-based band can write some of the best underground hits doesn’t mean they always will. With Mrs Ladyships and the Cleanerhouse Boys, The Smashing Times let their weirder side loose, creating an album that feels like a delightful plunge into the quirky and unexpected.
That said, Mrs Ladyships and the Cleanerhouse Boys still has its share of irresistible tracks. The jangly title song is a standout, Ruper Tingle, Button Thief showcase a playful, offbeat energy. Meanwhile, I Paint The Picture rocks out with a grittier edge, and Tarts and Vicars keeps things driving forward with a steady, pulsing rhythm.
It’s not an album that everyone will instantly connect with, but for fans of underground pop who appreciate a healthy dose of eccentricity, this LP has all the makings of a new musical obsession. Mrs Ladyships and the Cleanerhouse Boys shows The Smashing Times pushing boundaries while staying true to their unmistakable sound. It is out now on K and Perennial Records