Ezra’ returns `Closer’ to Good

Better
Than Ezra

Closer

Beyond Music

“This is our best album yet, without a doubt,” says Kevin Griffin, singer and songwriter for the post-grunge band, Better Than Ezra. “It’s our most focused and consistent because our backs were up against the wall, and we knew we had to make an album where every song was undeniable.”

Closer might be a step in the right direction for the band, but Better Than Ezra has never actually treaded in the wrong direction. One of the few post-grunge, alternative bands to make somewhat memorable music, they have yet to truly follow up the radio success of their 1995 hit “Good.” With only minor hits to follow from two albums, the band and Elektra records parted ways. Now returning to the scene on indie-label Beyond Music, Closer will be an important proving point for the band.

Closer is not very consistent, but it is the most playful Better Than Ezra album to date. With the help of DJ Swamp on two tracks and Toddy on one, the band has regrouped the sunny-day fun of “Good.” Cheesy Barenaked Ladies’ (who happen to be mentioned in the lyrics) wit make “Extra Ordinary” one of the catchiest songs to surface on mainstream radio this year. While it is reminiscent of the sound of pop-rockers Sugar Ray, the difference is found in the fact that “Extra Ordinary” is somewhat intelligently constructed, and Griffin can actually sing.

While some Better Than Ezra fans will shun this new radio-friendly approach, it is important that they ignore “Extraordinary” and its counterparts “Rolling” and “Recognize.” Skip to “Closer,” “Briefly,” and “Lifetime,” which show the band at its best. With his songwriting at its peak, Griffin sings in “Lifetime,” “An R.E.M. song was playing in my mind, Three and a half minutes, felt like a lifetime.” That line alone might give enough credibility to the band that a few cheesy tracks on the album can go ignored.

Better Than Ezra has always done their thing, and though that might have resulted in the loss of their major label contract, Closer proves that they haven’t given in yet. While the hooks are there, it is yet to be determined if today’s contemporary, Sugar Ray, TRL culture will embrace songs by a band that cares to mention R.E.M in their lyrics. If they do, it might be a terrible loss for Elektra.

Posted by Colonnade Archives on Sep 14 2001. Filed under Features. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry