1997

…A Better View Of The Rising Moon

[3/5] Although it seems probable that this Chicago quintet, perhaps Victory’s response to the Hush Sound, is named 1997 because that’s the year all the members were born, it is actually that gleaming sparkle of youth that gives the group’s prancing pop numbers their fervor. Despite a few beginner missteps involving screamo growls and a tendency toward melodramatic lyrics, 1997 craft engaging songs that glisten with the sunshine of juvenile optimism and find a happy medium between catchy emo-punk and dancing pop. 1997’s greatest achievement, however, is the smoothness with which they combine singer Kevin Thomas and keyboardist Alida Marroni’s dueting vocals, preferring the layered effect of two singers on every song over alternating vocalists like most bands with two singers. There is a sort of fresh-faced newness to the album, and somehow, it is that novice attitude that elevates it above just another overlooked Victory debut. (VICTORY) Emily Zemler