Album Review: contraceptives. almostbetter.

 

Written By James Magill, OOTB Publications

A new album is always a treat, and like any treat, it’s best enjoyed at the right moment.

I have a 40-minute commute to and from work, and while it’s not bad, I particularly enjoy the drive home. 

Since I work third shift, I usually commute in the dark, but as the days get longer, I get to drive into the early morning light. Traffic is light, and the temperature is just right.

For most people, driving represents a sense of freedom, and it comes with a soundtrack that you can curate. I prefer to listen to a full album—no playlists, just a band’s complete work from start to finish.

That brings me to this morning, when I listened to a new album during my drive: almostbetter. by Southern Ohio’s contraceptives.; the 11-track album will be released independently tomorrow.

I wasn’t familiar with these guys, so I just let the album play. The singer’s voice grabbed my attention, with a versatile style that shifts across different tracks. The guitar work is solid, and while I can’t quite place the specific sound, there’s a familiarity to it.

Out of nowhere, the album surprises with a bluegrass track. It’s a refreshing change and adds a nice touch to the mix. 

Finishing the album in my driveway, I realized why it sounded familiar. It reminded me of when Beavis and Butt-Head used to call something "college music"—this album would definitely fit into college radio rotation.

Overall, the album was enjoyable but not something I’d actively seek out; however, I wouldn’t mind hearing it if someone else played it. 

I especially liked the singer’s voice, and the standout track for me was the bluegrass number, “Fine.” There are also some surprisingly profound lyrics scattered throughout.

Rating

3.1/5

Tracklist 

1. shot.
2. deadpan.
3. window.
4. fine.
5. wraith.
6. looksfloating.
7. obyeo.
8. everything.
9. dnr.
10. chemotherapy.
11. almostbetter.

Get Album Here

https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/

Follow contraceptives.

https://m.youtube.com/channel/

https://open.spotify.com/artist/

https://music.apple.com/us/artist/

almostbetter. was recorded at Compound Sound in Jackson, Ohio. Except for “fine.,” recorded at Amish Electric Chair Studios in Athens, Ohio by Neil Tuuri

almostbetter. was produced by contraceptives. Except for “fine.,”  co-produced by Kyle Belcher and Neil Tuuri

contraceptives. is:

Jim Vest—vocalist, singer-songwriter

“shot.” features: Kelson Kopas (drums), Kyle Belcher (bass guitar), Joseph Crabtree (banjo), Bart Wiseman (lead guitar), Jerry Morgan Jr. (lead guitar)

“deadpan.” features: John Borchard (pedal steel), Kyle Belcher (bass guitar)

“fine.” features: Allen Daugherty (banjo, mandolin), Jordan B. Lombardo (bass guitar)

“wraith.” features: Max Rose (lead guitar)

“looksfloating.” features: Kyle Belcher (saxophone)

“everything.” features: Esther Brodess (lead guitar), Steven Winger (electric cello)

“dnr.” features: John Borchard (pedal steel), Kyle Belcher (bass guitar), Esther Brodess (lead guitar), Kelson Copas (drums)

“chemotherapy.” features: Zack Sickles (drums), Kyle Belcher (saxophone), Nick Foley (trombone), Esther Brodess (lead guitar)