Album Review: Their/They’re/There Creates New Punk, Prog, Indie Hybrid With Debut EP

By: Luke Ottenhof –

“A negative attitude, humming a positive tune.” The back-handed mantra sums up the sound of Chicago prog-punk trio Their/They’re/There on their debut self-titled EP, out April 20.

Debut EP’s are tricky business, and even tougher considering the hype around this young band, but indie rock veterans Matthew Frank, Evan Weiss, and Mike Kinsella have done a bang-up job with their six-song release.

The ska-meets-metal sound marinates the album, and makes for an enjoyable listen. Containing more than a few pinches of Sublime’s ska-feel, Sum 41’s good-for-nothing self-deprecation, and the math-metal riffing of Dream Theatre, the influences collide beautifully, and Their/They’re/There executes with bombastic energy.

The lead track, “Their/They’re/Therapy” bursts out of the gate with ska-tone guitars and a frenzied rhythm, married with the familiar slacker motifs. “This sucks, I suck,” shouts bassist/vocalist Evan Thomas Weiss on the opener.

The lead single, “Concession Speech Writer,” which was the first song that they wrote as a group, lays into fancy fretwork from guitarist Frank and pounding rhythms from Kinsella on the drums, tied up pretty with Weiss’ tight bass lines.

The punch of the group’s synchronicity is enthralling. The chemistry is obvious from start to finish, and the detailed layers of spotless sound mesh beautifully with one another. Weiss’ understated vocal style works well amid the chaos, crooning on “Concession Speech Writer,” “You were never really good at much, never really much good at all.”

“Apocalypse (Not Right) Now” is a lesson in complexity.  Matthew Frank is well on the way to the top of ska-punk guitarists. The intense riffing and intricate licks are executed with surgical precision and grace, all through a sparkling-clean channel. True talent need not drown itself in distortion and overdrive.

The crew dials it back with “572 Cuthbert Blvd.” Frank dons an acoustic guitar, and gentle drum work meanders in the background.

The album’s airtight drumming is remarkable; each snare smack and cymbal crash is slick and polished. The same holds true for the rest of the instrumentals. It’s sleek, spotless sound across the board.

The Chi-town threesome isn’t reinventing the wheel, but it’s a hell of a step forward to be noticed in the often-crowded Ska community. The EP’s incredibly catchy hooks and plain-jane wordplay go down easy, and leave little to the imagination. The patchwork of ska/punk/metal that Their/They’re/There achieves with their first shot is downright addictive.

Essential Tracks: “There/They’re/Therapy,” “Concession Speech Writer,” and “End and End.”

Listen to “Concession Speech Writer” here.