Lutheran Heat have one of my favorite band names, a distinctly Minnesota tongue-in-cheek nod to local culture and mannerisms. But while I dig the band name, that's not really relevant to the rest of this review.
Hi Again is their first record in 9 years, but it continues their garagey indie-punk tones. Expect garage rock guitar tones, slacker indie rock vibe and lots of harmonies and singalong choruses. As I write this review I've been playing the LP on a portable toy record player and, while I don't recommend that sound quality, it's fitting for the band's vibe. They're the kind of band where a little extra, boxy reverb makes sense, if you catch my drift. (I'll add that it sounds way better on the real system, of course.)
Lutheran Heat's dual vocalist approach essentially trades off lead singers song-by-song, but they sometimes mix in alternating chorus and, yes, lots and lots of harmonies. The songs are short and somewhat midtempo, with raw vocals that add a heart-on-sleeve and down-to-earth mood. While there's a bit of fuzz, the tones are mostly clean. Even as they alternate vocalists, there's a real continuity to the album. Each song sounds different, but similar enough that it flows super smoothly. I'm no music theorist, but I think they favor flat notes just enough to make your ears perk up at the changeup.
Getting into the weeds, "Reducer" is one of standout poppier jams, including a nice bridge that adds a boost of energy to its swaying chorus, "Haunting You" is another in that school of pop, this one with more dramatic guitars and a lovelorn sing-song approach and, just as the song title tells you, "Crushin' On You" keeps that mood going.
"Bonded Pair" is one the songs where they kind of deconstruct a little bit, a technique they utilize sporadically in different capacities. It's a trick that gives a little extra depth and variety without going all "Endless Nameless" on you. The final song, "Black Circles," essentially pulls it all together. It has those bright guitar tones and peppy percussion, but with a couple of tempo changes and some built-up vocal harmonies that are equally poppy and punchy. They may be singing about "black circles under my eyes," but it leaves you with a smile.
