Though not as instantly memorable as others on this EP, “F*** You Roger (Until Further Notice),” with its hypnotic and psychedelic single note guitar lines and strong group vocal harmonies that end it, is still a great number that exemplifies how The New Up has not only grown as a band over the years, but why they can’t be boxed into any particular genre. The New Up brings something different to the table not just with every release but with every new song.
Broken Machine had a relatively soft and lovely closing track called “Just Because” whose melancholic feel isn’t too dissimilar from fellow female-fronted San Francisco group Minipop’s “Precious.” On Better Off, The New Up again chose a chill-out track to close an EP. “Wait” reveals the group’s urban mid-western roots and charm, with ES Pitcher’s Chrissie Hynde-like vocal prowess soaring above dense piano chords. Hawk West’s serene flute lines likewise truly stand out on this, the softest – and depending on your preference, weakest – number on the EP.
The New Up’s sound may recall familiar rockers from the past at first. But after the EP is through, it will be clear as day to you The New Up is its own band, and getting better at what they do all the time.
In sum, Better Off is a versatile and mostly rockin’ EP. If you liked the first one (Broken Machine), you’ll definitely love this second one. The third EP in this trilogy will hit shelves in 2010.
For more on The New Up, including a full stream of Better Off and current tour information, check out thenewup.com or visit its Myspace page.
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