With a name like the 88, you’d think the keys would take center of the sound created on the band’s self-titled album. And while the album begins with organ definitely in view, Keith Slettedahl’s guitar licks steal the spotlight on opening track “Center of the Sun.” Then on the second track, “They Ought to See You Now,” really it’s the hip-shaking rhythm of drummer Anthony Zimmitti that fuels the track. Adam Merrin’s piano/keys don’t really take over—at least as far as the mix of the album goes—until they jump out on tracks like the rockabilly-influenced “Won’t Catch Me,” the ballad “As Far As I Can See,” and the pounding “Automatic Brain.” Playing a bluesy rockabilly dash towards the Kinks, perhaps most similar to Crash Kings, the 88, though, have plenty of energy, which makes The 88 worth picking up. (Speaking of the Kinks, the 88 have collaborated with the Kinks’ Ray Davies for an upcoming album).

The 88

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