Baboon

Baboon

Hard to believe this is the same band that once sounded like a drill press with an attitude problem. Here Baboon transcends their origins in the early-Nineties North Texas noise crowd (Johnboy, Brutal Juice) with a stunning album, at once tender and tenderizing. Something Good begins with a run of Weezer-reminiscent rockers that don't skimp on either melody or crunch and peaks with the harmony-laden, billowing chorus of "Carried" and pogo riff of "Evil." Meanwhile, "Son" opens things up into hazier BRMC territory, before "King of the Damned Laser Gag" splices queasy Farfisa into vein-bulging, Toadies-caliber venting. A time warp hits just in time for the skinny-tied "Leave Me Be," as singer Andrew Huffstetler channels Dexy's Midnight Runners in a successful bid for honorary membership in The Breakfast Club. "Secret Room" boosts a Cure-ish vocal and a jumpy six/eight rhythm into a full on Fugazi-style adrenaline rush. Only then does the band's punishing past come surging back, both on the frenetic "Vampirate" and Blues Explosion hysteria of "Pig Latin." Closer "Goodnight, Good-Bye," a stately benediction guided by piano and trumpet, offers yet another reminder that the band's melodic talents are now commensurate with their already formidable ability to rock your ass. Something good indeed happened to Baboon while making this album: They suddenly became one of the best bands south of the Red River.