Major

The accent's definitely on the positive on Major, Fang Island’s galvanizing sophomore album. The Brooklyn-based quintet builds on the strengths of its debut, fusing power pop exuberance with the wallop of hard rock. The triple-guitar attack of Jason Bartell, Chris Georges, and Nicholas Andrew Sadler provides plenty of high-decibel crunch, while the band’s collective vocals project a sweeping idealism that recalls The Who at its most anthemic. Ascending folk-tinged melodies with triumphant choruses set off the lyrics' life-affirming content. Tracks like “Never Understand,” “Sisterly," and “Asunder” provide bursts of glorious noise, hammered home by Marc St. Sauveur’s heroic drumwork. “Kindergarten” and especially “Seek It Out” offer intimations of a spiritual vision behind the band’s music. The careening “Chompers” and the manic bluegrass/metal fusion “Dooney Rock” give Fang Island instrumental space to test its limits, while “Make Me” approaches prog-rock with pulsating textures and shifting dynamics. Major delivers the simple pleasures of blistering guitars, bashing drums, and soaring vocals while reaching for something grander and more exotic.