In Rotation: The Damn Tracks - The Damn Tracks II

The blazing, rollicking soul of the Damn Tracks' second self-titled album hits about halfway in, with the one-two punch of "Rock 'N Roll" and "Cleveland Bound". The rocking and rolling are there from the beginning, but something tangibly changes when this section of the album hits. A lot of the punk tropes are dropped in favor of straight ahead classic rock riffs and vocals. It is an unexpected turn of events during the first listen, but it all makes more and more sense when revisited. The opening four songs are like the ramp up to the big action sequences in the second half of the album. Then, things wind all the way down to the (spoiler alert) piano ballad bonus track.

I don't mean to discount the first half of the album, as it includes some solid upbeat punk jams. "Pouring Us Drinks" opens the album with a catchy chorus and "Bleeding My Wallet Dry" follows with a punchy rhythm. All I'm saying is, if "Rock 'N Roll" doesn't turn your head, you may want to have your pulse checked.

The Chicago three-piece released The Damn Tracks II last month online. The album was recorded at the storied Atlas Studios by Chris DeQuick Productions. Stream the album below and check out the rest of the Damn Tracks' music on Bandcamp.