Fourth Quarter Comeback: Finders Keepers

There is hardly a somber moment on the Fairfax native powerpop-rock band Fourth Quarter Comeback’s five-track EP, titled Finders Keepers. The upbeat beginning sticks until the final song. Opener “When I Fall” is a track that is sure to wake you up with the dog-whistle synth note in the first few seconds; thankfully, that note is not heard again. After that however, being awake will be completely mandatory due to the catchiness of the vocal melody – soon to be a common thread in the duration of Finders Keepers. While the rhythm guitar strikes a nerve in some instances with the overuse of the same chord, the songs overall are no less tuneful.

Second track “All I Know” begins with a Motion City Soundtrack feel, thanks to the synth work. The drum work throughout the EP is always good, but this song is particularly noticeable. With the smooth transitions and dance-y beats, “All I Know” is the catchiest song of the set.  “New York, New York” is the pop-punk song of the album. This song has the poppy value of an All Time Low song, with the chorus sounding similar to “Coffee Shop Soundtrack,” an ATL oldie.

The lyrical content, while simple and having been done before (but honestly, what hasn’t?), is relatable on the surface and on a deeper level, presenting the listener with two options: listen to the song and enjoy it for the simplicity of the upbeat chipper sound, or enjoy the song for the lyrics that are at times a little down – or, if you are a philosopher, there is that third option of both. Sad lyrics with pop music tends to allow that dismal feeling one would achieve from listening to a band like Coldplay to be avoided.

With vocals comparable to those in Summer Obsession (see the title track, “Finders Keepers”), and catchiness like that of +44, Fourth Quarter Comeback is the Alternative power-pop band to listen to.