Album Review: The Griswolds - High Times For Low Lives

Frontman Chris Whitehall has stated explicitly that "Rap and R&B" are genres The Griswolds are tapping into this time around.

Opening salvo Role Models delivers on that promise/threat, sharting out a tepid Maroon 5 tribute (that admittedly raises a faint pulse at the halfway mark during a funky cowbell-infused verse). From there it's a bumpy ride through some of their traditional maximalist pop (Out Of My Head), sharp '80s synth funk (You Don't Love Me), '90s pop jams (Rufio, Feels So Right), and even some digitised troppo pop (Get Into My Heart). It's all completely disposable, but at least they're trying to engage with an impressively broad palette.