After three self-titled albums, San Diego-based Augustana has finally found its unique sound.
Its fourth album Augustana, released April 26, is nothing like its predecessors. Fans of the band’s famous 2005 song “Boston” will not find such tracks on this album. The group’s self-titled work is not necessarily worse or better. It’s merely different. It’s a change that some fans may have trouble accepting while others may embrace.
The rougher edges found in the album give it a sense of greater depth. The once clearly established pop, stuck-in-your-head-for-days songs now take the direction of a more indie, country sound with piano backgrounds, putting it in a strange spot between genres of rock.
The first single “Steal Your Heart,” a tender gospel-felt tune, is reminiscent to the sound of Kings of Leon — which is no surprise since Augustana’s Grammy award-winning producer is famed for his work with Kings.
“Someone’s Baby Now” is a smooth, drum-heavy track similar to the sound of The Script or John Mayer. Lead singer Dan Layus sings, “You know your momma taught you what to love, but never taught you how … We use
somebody’s baby now.”
The sixth track “Shot In the Dark” is another slow-burner that quickly builds into a symphony of pianos and guitars as Layus says he’s “been living in the dark with a hole in his heart.”
Songs such as “Hurricane” and “Borrowed Time” have an upbeat, boondock, bluegrass country sound that makes listeners feel welcome.
All together, the band has experimented with many different sounds. From Southern California surfer feel-good beats to light-hearted alternative rock tunes to thick piano-based, indie-country melodies, Augustana has finally found its groove.
Because the album is virtually eclectic, listeners may prefer songs on the album that fall into a certain genre or sound similar.
Either way, with a wide variety of sound, Augustana has a song for everyone.
