Trenton-based Yorkshire Tenth slash ‘n’ burn like a cross between The Alarm and Smashing Pumpkins on their debut full-length, New Again. The band will celebrate its release on March 8 at Mill Hill Basement with Scoville and Ultra Major. Photo by Albert Rende
Trenton-based Yorkshire Tenth’s four veteran musicians – bassist Anthony Carlisi, vocalist-guitarist Craig Frame, guitarist Christopher Marino and drummer-designer Ryan Csolak -- embody the concept of never say die to rock ‘n’ roll dreams. Married with children and established careers, Yorkshire Tenth have reached the point where they mainly make music for fun, and that comes through on their 10-song LP, New Again, a follow-up to the 2016 debut EP Lessons.
Throughout, a big beat and jangly, slashing guitars remind me of The Alarm, but with a menacing angst that creates a Smashing Pumpkins vibe. Although at times, the songs meander and whine, the passion they express and energy they convey is enjoyable.
Stand out tracks include “Transition,” a rhythm fest about self-intervention, and “Summer Carols,” a loving salute to the Jersey Shore that examines “promises renewed, promises restored.” The great buzzing, burning guitars on “Two Wrongs” also are a treat.
“Videosyncracies” starts out great with a strong hook in the form of counter gang vocal that repeats, “It’s impossible.” But halfway through the track, it becomes a completely different song that abandons that hook, structured almost like a suite, yet a far cry from a “Happiness is a Warm Gun,” “Suite: Judy Blues” or “Bohemian Rhapsody.”
A little more focused songwriting and grittier, more soulful vocals will make Yorkshire Tenth’s next effort even better. However, I know from having seen them several times that the band’s enthusiasm makes for a great show, which will be the case when they celebrate the release of New Again on March 8 at Mill Hill Basement in Trenton with Scoville and Ultra Major.
Bob Makin is the reporter for MyCentralJersey.com/entertainment and a former managing editor of The Aquarian Weekly, which launched this column in 1988. Contact him at [email protected]. And like Makin Waves at www.facebook.com/makinwavescolumn.
