Wait, are we already up to the fifth Local Drags LP? Time flies, which is ironic because the music of Lanny Durbin has a way of slowing things down a little. His distinct take on Midwest power pop may not sound like the stereotypical Stardumb Records release from back in the day, but it absolutely fits the spirit of a label that recognizes strong songwriting and gives artists room to grow into themselves. Cue James Sullivan, cue Matt Julian and The Speedways, and cue Lanny Durbin.
Cool If We Split? slides naturally into the Local Drags catalog, a body of work built on hooky guitar pop with an intangible quality that is harder to pin down than it first appears. Sure, the songs have hooks and punch, but there is also an airy looseness and kindness to them. Compared to the debut LP, Local Drags have gradually become a subtler and quieter band, leaning more toward songs that slowly sink in rather than instant sugar-rush choruses.
And yet, if you pushed these songs a little harder, added some extra distortion, percussion, and tempo, you would not end up all that far removed from the earlier material. That is not regression though. If anything, Cool If We Split? feels like the most confident and comfortable Local Drags record yet, one that ranks alongside, or maybe even above, Durbin’s best work so far. It is probably too early for definitive statements, but with each spin another song quietly works its way into my brain.
There is a clear vision running through the album, naturally helped by co-producer Luke McNeill of The Copyrights, with Durbin leaning deeper into his pop instincts while still knowing when to let the guitars ring out. And yes, there are immaculate vibes throughout. As the album tagline puts it: “Can’t hear the world if the amps are in the red.” The thing is, Durbin’s particular kind of escapism works just as well when the volume is turned down.
LP available on turquoise and black vinyl through Stardumb Records. ICYMI, read our Gimme 5 feature with Lanny Durbin here for more good vibes.