More Than You Can Chew

(Fan Attic Tapes)
by Scott Hefflon

A compilation of 22 songs by 22 New England bands. This is another great representation of unsigned area talent. Most of the bands stay true to indie/powerpop/punk pop “guidelines,” and those that don’t are cool enough that you don’t really care anyway. A&R man Ron Lacer sums up his signees as “bands I like.” While lacking specifics, Lacer’s taste is usually within the energetic punky flavorings of pop, delving a bit into the rawer old school style, and occasionally into eclectic indie rock. The production quality and the overall volume level fluctuate wildly. While this is often distracting, the songs have continuity within themselves and, hopefully, compensate for the differences between them. Once again, Fan Attic Tapes provides far more than lip service to the now mandatory slogan, “Support Your Local Scene.” Get it though Fan Attic, get it through Lollipop mail order – just get it.
($4 – Fan Attic Tapes, c/o Ron Lacer, 364 Washington Street, Cambridge, MA 02139)