Today Is Tonight

The infectious guitar pop sound of the Changes is a welcoming breath of fresh air, especially amidst the countless new wave throwback acts that influenced music lovers in twenty-o-six. Sure, the Chicago act comes off eager to please at the start — the giddy synth beats of album opener "When I Wake" highlight the album's underlying enthusiasm for nailing the perfect hook, and vocalist/guitarist Darren Spitzer is anything but nervous — but Today Is Tonight is chock-full of promise. The genre-blending arrangements in song and craft are just about perfect, and even though five EP tracks are reintroduced here, the Changes' intentions are so good that you will want to pay attention. From the new wave pleasantries of "Twilight" and "When I Sleep" to the cheeky mod-like melodies of "Machine" and "Water of the Gods," the shifts in moods and style are neatly balanced, only adding to Today Is Tonight's likableness. Moments such as "Sisters" and "On a String" are a tad bit sugarcoated, however; the gutsy guitar power of "Such a Scene" highlights the potential of the Changes should they choose to take this route. Spitzer's demanding lyrics "I don't want to lose when I can win" recall an impressionable Neil Finn, while Rob Kallick (bass), David Rothblatt (guitar), and Jonny Basofin (drums) give this song everything they've got. You can hear it, and you can taste it, and that's what makes Today Is Tonight a true standout. Let's hope they can do it again, and do it with as much attitude as "Such a Scene."