On “Burn From Both Ends,” the second full-length release from local favorite Pluck, the band’s indie-rock sound rings true. This vibrant collection explores a wide variety of topics and themes. From sickness to relationships to the political state of the world, Pluck’s sophomore album is ready to converse with the listener.
“Sooner” opens the album strong, with its stop-in-your-tracks chorus, frontperson Brock Saltsman’s hypnotic vocals and dynamic guitar from Javan Levey. To follow, “Attach/Detach” lyrically explores the symbolism and change that comes with moving: If we pack up and move to a different town / Will that make me a better person? Despite the topics of inner turmoil, the tune is hopeful, and Levey’s guitar and drums from Ben Chesnes carry a bounce in the step toward the future.
“Cough Syrup Lullaby” meets us in the middle of the album loud and proud, born of Saltsman’s unfortunate bout with COVID-19. The macabre and foreboding “She Doesn’t Want Me Around” tackles the messy and the ugly of relationships, exploring how we may look at ourselves in the aftermath of our mistakes.
The politically charged ninth track, “Reminder,” is grungier than its predecessors with its dark tone reflecting that of our current times. The song is more instrumentally focused, the grit and chaos mirroring how it feels to navigate such a tumultuous modernity. Pluck is here to create a safe space for all, and it’s felt throughout these 10 tracks.
To close out the album, Pluck has saved the best for last. “Fixations” encourages listeners to not just survive, but to truly live despite it all. This sentiment travels via the whimsical melody of bass from Alyssa Zaso and sublimely divine guitar solo, carrying us out to the end.
To celebrate the release of their achievement, Pluck will play an album release show at The Bug Jar on April 25.
