So Long, Problems

Ashes in the Rearview

“We don’t draw, but worst of all, we don’t try,” announces So Long, Problems in opening their debut LP, a declaration of opting out of the band hustle even as the local quintet finally seems ready for a bigger spotlight. “Draw” surges with a Mott the Hoople, Memphis-horned boogie meets early Wilco behind Mike Schoenfeld’s rattled vocal edge. Recent addition Graham Weber adds a balance of songwriting with his drowsy, poetic tenor to Schoenfeld’s more aggressive anxiety, as “Giving Up” and “Rose” play into Ashes in the Rearview‘s posture of affected ambivalence and resignation. “Outliving the Ghost” surprises as a sharply shifting jam, even as “Almost Anna Sage” falls into more standard alt.country. Weber works well with a band backing his easy melodies on “Past is Gone,” especially cut against Schoenfeld’s crazed “License Plate Eyes,” while “Can’t Win” folds the fatalistic frustration into coda “Draw 2.”

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This article appears in May 23 • 2014.

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Doug Freeman has been writing for the Austin Chronicle since 2007, covering the arts and music scene in the city. He is originally from Virginia and earned his Masters Degree from the University of Texas. He is also co-editor of The Austin Chronicle Music Anthology, published by UT Press.