The debut self-titled album from Raised on Candy channels an invigorating ’90s rock nostalgia, impressing in its infectious songwriting and standout production. Recorded by the late Steve Albini at Electrical Audio in Chicago, Raised on Candy is a testament to the band’s penchant for satiating rock builds and hook-filled energy — in addition to a reminder of Albini’s enormous talents in the production/recording realm.
The trio has roots across coasts, with members being originally from the San Francisco Bay Area and New York Tri-State. Joe Penna (vocals/guitar), Scotty Imp (drums/percussion), and Kevin Harris (bass/vocals) enamor across the album’s dynamic pursuits — whether in the evolution of gloomy twangs to foreboding distortion within “Midnight Creeper” or the swell of percussive pit-pattering into rousing rock electricity on “Big Game Hunter.”
Another standout, “Lonely Bill” wastes no time in its presented momentum — traversing across jangling guitars and beckoning vocals into a grungy sweltering. The heavy guitar work and elongated vocal presence during the central hook enthralls, and melds seamlessly back into the jangly direction within the verses. Raised on Candy impress definitively throughout this memorable LP.
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We discovered this release via MusoSoup, as part of the artist’s promotional campaign.
