So uncanny is Expert Alterations’ resemblance to C86-era UK indie rock, that it’s absolutely dumbfounding to learn the band hails from Baltimore. But give these kids a lot of credit, they nail that vintage sound immaculately — and make it their own in the process — on their debut album You Can’t Always Be Liked, which you can hear in its entirety below.
“This is a record written about the ever so classically troublesome, ‘early 20s’,” singer Patrick Teal tells PopMatters. “There is a slight homage to records the three of us really adore and cherish as far as musical style. But what’s more important is this record is up for people to interpret however they like, adapt their own meanings and thoughts to and about it and make it their own.”
Catch Expert Alterations on tour this week:
10/26 Boston, MA – O’Briens
10/28 Annandale-On-Hudson, NY – Bard College – The Root Cellar
10/29 Purchase, NY – SUNY Purchase – The Stood
10/30 Brooklyn, NY – Rough Trade (FREE in-store 7pm)