Pat King, Will Hochgertel, Steve Kurtz and Kris Hayes make up Philadelphia’s Labrador, who play a very unique brand of alt-country meets mod, where plenty of rebellious influences enter these 10 songs that mirror the status quo of the US right now.

The title track starts things loud, where King’s adaptable voice is both firm and melodic alongside Kurtz’s thumping drums in a country punk sort of way. “Slow Down King” follows with a rhythm and blues spirit thanks to Hayes’ warm guitar and Hochgertel’s playful bass lines, and the gritty and anthemic “Too Much Wanting” balances power and tunefulness superbly.

“We Drew Stars” and “Metaphors For Love” finish the first half. The former is a punchy and rowdy moment that’s punk inspired and benefits from the precise and sturdy rhythm section. The latter invites singing-along to the raw and driving rock.

The last five songs starts with the much softer “Waiting To Be Useful”, where a rugged intimacy unfolds with much sincerity, while “Kill Kill Kill” thumps thumps thumps with thick guitars and booming vocals that illustrate a muscular version of Americana.

Residing late, the two-minute blast of the frisky “Your Home Is An Eyesore” is danceable and carries a contagious energy, before “Wagers” trims the pace and volume back with a heartfelt, folk fueled moment that picks up steam at the end via the mammoth, arena rock-sized riffs and drumming. “No Man Is An Island” exits, and it has the quartet working together with both intensity and restraint.

Labrador don’t sit in any easily definable category, which is part of their appeal, but if luminaries like Ted Leo, Wilco, The Jam or The Kinks strike a chord with you, Labrador deserve a home in your collection.

Rating: A-

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