AUGUST 2011 INSITE MAGAZINE DEAN’S LIST
YOUNG ANTIQUES – A MAN, NOT A BIOGRAPHY (TWO SHEDS) -
“Mixing the passionate delivery of the Clash, the beer soaked glory of the Replacements, and the pop-savvy writing of “Surrender”-era Cheap Trick, Atlanta’s own Young Antiques deliver a fresh brand of no nonsense bar rock. On stage, it is an onslaught of raucous energy from the local trio, and with their latest release, ‘A Man Not A Biography’, the stakes are raised in the studio as well. Any band would aim to prove themselves a worthy voice to emerge from the crowd, but the Antiques take it a step further, confidently waving the flag on behalf of the ATL’s much needed, often overlooked rock resurgence as of late.
Don’t expect the polish of 2008′s Soundtrack To Tear Us Apart. In its stead is a mix more indicative of the band’s natural live sound. ”Come On Let These Girl Blues Go” and “Biography” offer up rock songwriting that stands shoulder to shoulder with output from national acts such as the Hold Steady. ”Daydream Fields”, the album’s centerpiece, is an angst-filled dirge of sorts, with vocalist/writer/guitarist Blake Rainey lamenting, “There’s no more work/I can’t go back to school/But that’s not what I miss so much.” Cars-influenced synth work pulses through Supermodel. Atlanta hideouts like El Myr and the Yacht Club get the Springsteen treatment in the lyrics of the feel-good “Fucked Up In Public”. Don’t be so naive as to believe it doesn’t work like a charm for this setting.
For being in some peoples minds quite the music industry town, the landscape of great rock bands tends to keep out of reach of any radar regarding the public at large. In the case of the Young Antiques, the influences they wear on their sleeve serve as a jumping-off point, not a mask to hide behind. This type of headstrong movement on the part of the band speaks worlds to their potential. Wherever this takes the Antiques next, it is safe to say that they make Atlanta proud.” - Jom Latham, InSite Magazine.
