Localized Music: The Che Arthur Three

After what was a long, exhaustive, and lonely recording process for Che Arthur's last record, 2007’s Iron, it made sense that the local singer-songwriter and producer would forge a more collaborative path on Like Revenge, his first record credited to a full band. Teamwork doesn't necessarily translate into a cohesive full album, but there are enough tracks on Revenge for a very strong LP of rollicking punk-pop. Splashy cymbal crashes, frantically strummed guitar parts, and brick-heavy bass lines roughen up catchy melodies, which are especially satisfying on early-album highlight “Crisis Wrapped Cast.” 

Revenge, however, quickly stumbles when it inexplicably succumbs to moody, modern-rock miserablism. The raspy, dirge-like confessionals on “Fall From Grace” and “Too Real” take surefire, quiet-to-loud dynamics (acoustic guitar one moment, tortured grunge-rock fuzz the next) and somehow make them woefully inert. Revenge’s turn toward mid-tempo murkiness causes consternation, especially for listeners who enjoy the band’s swift exercises in post-hardcore melancholia. (The title track alone features choppy riffs and melodies worthy of Hüsker Dü.) Ultimately, there’s enough compelling material to ensure that Revenge isn’t its own executioner. But hearing the band narrowly escape the swinging ax of artistic failure isn’t exactly a pleasure either. Grade: C

The Che Arthur Three plays Beat Kitchen tonight, June 28, with The Jai-Alai Savant and Driftless Pony Club.