All that's old is new again on
Love and Mercy, the sophomore long-player from Rockford, Illinois-based
the Braves. And that's a compliment. Fans of late-'80s college radio favorites like
R.E.M. and
the Smithereens will be instantly delighted by memorable, guitar-fused rockers like "Chicago Catholic" and the outstanding opener "Good Advices." Frontman Joseph Reina sounds like a young Robin Wilson, which makes sense, because the band often sounds like the
Gin Blossoms in their Doug Hopkins-era. Whether channeling the indie muscle of
Big Dipper on "Our Fathers," reliving the pensive beauty of early
Toad the Wet Sprocket or giving the melodic nod to
Winter Hours, this five-piece is about 18 years too late for the stardom they deserve. ~ John D. Luerssen