TCB
By Christopher Gray, Fri., Feb. 18, 2005
Check This Action
The Action Is has been not-so-quietly rocking local clubs for nearly a decade (the first several years as Hotwheels Jr.), but bassist Kristina Recla thinks new album Forget the Alibi is where the foursome has truly hit their stride. "There's a maturity there coupled with a highly emotional year," she says. While recording Alibi, which trades the Sonic Youth steeliness of earlier albums like 1999's Head Driver for a looser, more organic Rolling Stones vibe, co-founder Mark Bradley left to become a full-time family man and drummer Jake Perlman passed through on his way to the Good Looks. Instead of leaving Recla and original singer/guitarist Adam Farina at loose ends, adding guitarist Paul Ali and drummer James Howell rejuvenated them. "As a whole, we're a stronger band," Recla says. "I feel really confident we'll get better from here." She also credits longtime friends and Young Heart Attack members "Frenchie" Smith and Steven Hall, who produced, recorded, and mixed Alibi at the Bubble, with helping the Action Is step up its game. "They support us and respect us as musicians, and they also challenge us," Recla says. "They believe in the band."The Action Is open tonight's (Thursday's) "Highball Party" at Emo's with Young Heart Attack, the Good Looks, and Rockland Eagles.
