Return - The/Return

All Music Guide

Highlighted by the five songs originally appearing on the Return's High Enough Yet? EP, The/Return makes a strong case for this band's status as excellent power pop songwriters, in terms of both vocals as well as instrumentation. Singer/songwriter/guitarist Randall Watson's lyrics and vocals play a large role in this album's success, serving as backbone to each of the songs, particularly on the choruses where the group's classic pop influence really shines through. Though his fuzz-infused guitar also seems omnipresent as a perfect complement for his vocals, it's important to credit bassist Robert Dale and drummer Ted Alesio for maintaining the thick rhythm section over which Randall lays down his guitar and vocals. Songs such as "High Enough Yet?" and "Teardrop Tattoo" make their mark instantly via big catchy, inescapable choruses. A major step forward from Greatest Demos, Vol. 1, The/Return serves as a perfect introduction to this band's Midwestern power pop mastery. It also remains a... wonderful hidden power pop gem from the late '90s that never garnered the acclaim it deserved. - Jason Birchmeier, All Music Guide Read more Less