Anything but a Lost Cause
They say that first impressions can be deceiving and as Candy Coated Fury bellows into action with the anthemic Everyone Else is an Asshole, the garishly grating group vocals immediately cast an air of doubt as to whether the tightness of the band has slipped since leaving founder Aaron Barrett and long-serving trombonist Dan Regan as the only truly familiar faces in the seemingly ever-revolving lineup. However the grating intonation, which will probably only bother finickity critics anyway, is soon forgotten as the album builds into the bouncy melodiousness of Punisher and the punchy, machine gun burst rhythms of She's Not the End of the World.
Saxophonist Matt Appleton's contributions really begin to show their value in the establishment of the modern Reel Big Fish sound in songs like Don't Let Me Down and the extravagant, instrument-centric Don't Stop Skankin'. It may have been over fifteen years since a saxophone has regularly featured in the Huntington Beach band's horn section, but Appleton's baritone's parts fit so perfectly in these two songs that it illustrates how Reel Big Fish have wisely embraced the new timbral direction rather than hiding from it.
The addition of guest vocalists in songs like I Know You Too Well works terrifically and really seems to hark back to the days of Turn the Radio Off and the favoured hit She Has a Girlfriend Now. Julie Stoyer's parts playfully bounce off Barrett's vocal lines while Derek Gibbs' basslines walk underneath as he continues to break into the shoes of the irreplaceable bassist Matt Wong. I Dare You to Break My Heartand Lost Cause, on the other hand, both shine as highlights amongst a strong collection of songs thanks to tight vocal harmonies, varied guitar work and catchy brass melodies. Although the inclusion of invited personnel such as Coolie Ranx and Brian Klemm is a fabulous method of personalisation and diversification, it's heart-warming to know that this staple of teen-friendly ska punk is still a well-refined sextet at heart.
This is the Reel Big Fish that we all know and love and what an incredibly tasty treat for the ears Candy Coated Fury is. There's little groundbreaking territory visited here, but considering the delightful upbeat vibe (that in a typical fashion effectively juxtaposes the opposing lyrical content), it's not a troublesome criticism. The overall product certainly quells any fears that former members Matt Wong and Scott Klopfenstein took the spirit of Reel Big Fish with them when they departed and should ensure that Reel Big Fish keep their fanbase well and truly hooked on the line.