When Against The Current released “that won’t save us” in late 2020, I was elated, excited even, for it was a return to the rock oriented and catchy roots they had on their older releases, Infinity and Gravity. In contrast to the more pop-focused soundscape on their 2018 release Past Lives, fever is the trio returning to their best. While they definitely took their time with it, it was, by all means, well worth the wait (albeit a little short, clocking in at just over 20 minutes). It was a bold decision to release the first three songs of the album as singles, for they are easily among the best songs the trio has ever written, brimming with energy and catchiness. However, there are a few kinks across the rest of fever, which leave some of the remaining tracks missing the mark of quality set by those singles.
Starting off with a bang, “that won’t save us” is immediately reminiscent of the times when Against The Current were primarily a rock band, with vibes similar to “Talk”. Dropping some of the punk and angry tones in favor of mature lyrics and songwriting, the first single feels like a breath of fresh air after their previous LP, announcing gloriously that Against The Current are back and have the prowess to write catchy anthems that made them as big as they are today. “weapon” builds up on the energy off “that won’t save us” with a catchy and explosive chorus peppered with vocalist Christina Costanza’s mesmerizing vocals. It is easily my favorite song from their entire discography with guitars as crunchy as they have been in any of their songs. If anything, this track is sure to be an ever-present earworm for the time being.
“again&again”, the third and final single off fever and featuring a bridge by guardin with yet another insanely catchy chorus, the band hit it out of the ballpark. Rarely does any EP or album open up with this much of a bang, carrying on flow so well. While I was iffy about guardin’s rapping initially, a couple listens later, it is evident that his voice fits so well with the band’s sound especially when the contrast between the voices of guardin’s and Costanza’s back to back near the end of the song complement each other so well.
Halfway through the EP is “jump” where the album slows down a little bit. With the bouncy riffs almost absent from the verses, it leaves you wanting more of what the first trio of songs had to offer; vivacity. I can’t help but feel “jump” to be a B-side from their older materials as it sits weirdly in-between their earlier rock and later pop oriented sounds. On the more negative side of things, “shatter” is something I wish I never have to listen to ever again. A slow burning ballad that goes nowhere with the monotonous usage of the namesake of the song, I swear if I hear the word shatter one more time, I’ll shatter something out of pure frustration. All the energy and hype built up by the first half of the album is, dare I say, shattered. Why, Against The Current, why?!
Nearing the end of the EP, “burn it down” is finally some respite for my shattered ears. The drums shine bright for its entirety. While this song is nothing to write home about, zesty drumming along with your expected Against The Current sound make it an enjoyable (if admittedly not mind-blowingly good) song. Closer “lullaby” starts off slow, building up into an anthemic chorus that leaves you wanting for more. Lulling you into mesmer with the verses followed by a bombastic chorus truly make it a banging note to end this sweet little EP on.
I’d be lying if I said I expected to enjoy an Against The Current album this much in 2021, for I have largely grown out of yonder alternative rock sound. However, this serves as a rejuvenation of sorts; highly vivacious, lively and brimming with vitality. The songwriting has developed a lot since their early days, and elevates them a level when paired with their already captivating choruses. It is a pompous and anthemic little EP that is sure to infest your brain and refuse to leave until you loop it at least a few times. I’d be looking forward to where the New York based trio go next in their musical escapades. fever is available now via Fueled By Ramen, and you can stream or purchase the EP here. For all things music, keep your eyes locked on Boolin Tunes.
7/10