THE HOLD STEADY
Separation Sunday (French Kiss Records)
Reviewed by Sherman Wick

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The Hold Steady are the band that rose from the ashes of Twin Cities indie/punk favorites Lifter Puller. The new band resides in New York City, and includes singer Craig Finn and guitarist Tad Kubler of the former band. The new group adds the influence of popular'70s arena-rock, Bowie, AC/DC and augmented by keyboards and a background vocalist, but Finn's lyrics remain largely about his former hometown.

The Hold Steady seamlessly marries punk and '70s guitar rock. Just like in Finn's previous band, his wordy and insightful lyrics are central to the songs. The titles are as odd as the songs are good. The lyrics often reminisce about the years before legal drinking age. "Your Little Hoodrat Friend" and "Banging Camp" are written with keen observational and comic skill. For example, the lyrics on "Stevie Nix" demonstrate this comic skill: "She got screwed by religion/she got screwed by soccer players."

© 2005 - Sherman Wick