1997 - ...A Better View of the Rising Moon

1997
…A Better View of the Rising Moon
Victory Records
Grade: A-

Save for the absurdly long title, Since My House Burned Down I Now Own a Better View of the Rising Moon, there is little not to like on 1997’s debut for Victory Records. Featuring the usual cavalcade of members of past scene bands, this Chicago-area five-piece trade male and female vocals to upbeat, catchy indie punk dreams. Not unlike labelmates The Forecast, but with more pop production and instrument wrinkles, 1997 offer twelve songs that merely put a smile on your face and the hope of a better tomorrow. Among the fantabulous songs are opener “Water’s Edge” where Carolina is repeatedly mentioned (a girl, not the glorious state) and 1997 use a terrific string section to travel to the chorus, the strong chorus on “Garden of Evil,” the excellently composed sections on “Hey Darlin’,” “Patience, Prudence,” and the powerful “Enough Is Enough.” 1997 do experience dwindling powers as the album progresses, but there is enough to keep you tuned in. After so many non-inspiring, bland, and dull bands forming and leaking out all over the Internet, 1997 are like a shining gem stone.