Follow Jean Through The Sea
As they commemorate nearly two decades together with their 10th album, following up a record that broadened their boundaries as a power-pop band (2004'sPalais), the Figgs get back to the fundamentals: guitar, bass, drums--and more guitar. Punching out 10 songs of power-chord pleasure, the three-piece from New York state plunders '70s proto-punks like the Buzzcocks and the Only Ones, authenticating their veteran status while holding on to a youthful enthusiasm. Most songs clock in at the three- to four-minute range, ideal for the whirling minds of bassist/vocalist Pete Donnelly and guitarist/vocalist Mike Gent, who evenly divide the bulk ofFollow Jean's songwriting. Paving the way are Gent's "Regional Hits," with its riffs polished fromNuggets, the rapid-fire "Don't Hurt Me Again," and a title song that blooms on infectious harmonies and drummer Pete Hayes's exultant beat--precisely the m.o. of a band aiming to do what it does best.--Scott Holter