Fever
Seven songs. Just over 22 minutes. Against the Current clearly aren't asking for your whole afternoon, and fever is better for it. The band put guitars back near the front after the more pop-focused Past Lives, while keeping the big, clean choruses. It's a fairly sensible arrangement. You can have a proper riff and still remember the tune afterwards.
that won't save us starts things with purpose. The guitars have some weight, the drums keep pushing, and Chrissy Costanza sounds fully committed. She's a strong singer without having to turn every line into a demonstration. The chorus is large enough already. weapon follows with even more drive and is probably the clearest example of what works about this EP: immediate, energetic rock music with a very good pop song underneath.
again&again, with guardin, gives the verses a little more space. His contribution changes the tone without turning the song into an awkward guest appearance. That matters on a record this short. There isn't much room for something that doesn't fit. jump is another straightforward burst of energy, and by this point the band have made their intentions fairly clear.
The quieter shatter is a useful break, although its repeated hook isn't quite as strong as those opening songs. It's pleasant enough, but the EP loses a little momentum there. burn it down picks things up again with lively drumming and a brighter feel. It's less tense, and that change is welcome.
Then there's lullaby, which takes its time before opening into a much bigger chorus. The title is slightly misleading. Nobody appears especially interested in helping you sleep.
The production is very polished throughout, and a little more roughness might have given the heavier moments more bite. Still, the band sound involved, the songs get to the point, and Costanza gives even the simpler material some character. fever doesn't need to be a major reinvention. As a compact collection of catchy guitar songs, it does its job very well.
