According to their Myspace page, the Safes are a “gospel/hardcore/power-pop” band from Chicago consisting of the O’Malley brothers (Frankie, Michael, and Patrick) and drummer David Suycott. I’m not hearing the gospel influence, but I can say that on their latest EP, Sight of All Light, they’re at their best when they stick to punk/power-pop songs.
The EP starts off with the excellent title track. It’s easily the best song on the release and features an undeniable chorus that would fit perfectly on a Superdrag album. Second track “Troublemaker,” whose verse is a vintage ‘77 punk snarl that morphs into a half-time deconstructed surf-rock chorus, more or less keeps pace. The EP loses momentum on “The Sky is Falling,” however, thanks to an uninspired CB radio vocal effect and lack of a memorable hook. But things definitely improve on fourth song “Greed.” Had Rancid circa …And Out Come the Wolves decided to drop the white boy reggae (you’re not the Clash, ok?) and gotten a singer you could actually understand, this would be the likely result (for the record, I still listen to that album when I want to remember getting wasted at high school bonfires. There goes my cred…). The EP wraps up with “Unlock the Mystery,” which suffers the same problems as “The Sky is Falling” minus the CB radio vocal effect (thanks!). The Safes show promise on this 12-minute EP despite two aimless songs. They should continue to play to their strengths: hook-heavy, power-pop punk.
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