Dramatic, tuneful, ambitious, and sonically intriguing are just a few things The Standard’s Albatross has going for it. Guitarist/singer Tim Putnam casts disparate tones for each song to stunning effect, while the pseudo spy riff in “How Deep to Cut” is placed over a jerky rhythm and a bed of piano stabs, only to be buttressed with trashy power chords, bringing the chorus to a rousing climax. Putnam also crafts ear-grabbing countermelodies that dart in and out of the mix, perfectly illuminating the introspective songs, as well as making Albatross a record that offers something new every time you spin it. Yep Roc.
—Darrin Fox