The 1984 Draft – Makes Good Choices
(Poptek Recs.)
Reviewed by Emma Hughes.
Immediately familiar, The 1984 Draft’s “Make Good Choices” is the sort of record that feels like something – or someone – you know. To this 30-something year old who grew up wearing a pair of headphones it sounds like a lot of what I listened to throughout the latter half of the 1990s, summarised and repackaged for an older, wiser me who can relate to the themes present within the lyrics which range from family to career, even leaving behind a childhood town. The 1984 Draft don’t sound tired or outdated however, instead the band serves up their heaping of nostalgia amidst a well-crafted, confident modern rock sound.
From Dayton, Ohio, The 1984 Draft have a very distinctive American vibe. It’s warm, rich, friendly and laidback, perfectly suited to listening to in the middle of summer, or to help bring some warmth and cosiness back into those colder months. The tracks on the album vary in tone from childlike irreverence – literally so in the case of “Jan Kowalski” – to the deeply personal. A standout track to this listener, “Honest” is a heartfelt thank you from an artist to the people who keep him doing what he does. If you’re in the mood for a classic love song or power ballad, check out “Red Dress” which comes in at number eight of the album’s ten tracks.
The 1984 Draft is recommended for fans of alt rock pioneers The Replacements along with bands such as Beach Slang, The Smoking Popes, and Sugar, which may or may not be familiar to all readers. I would like to add to this list and say that anyone who is a fan of 90’s tinged rock and indie in general should give them a listen. You’ll know right away whether you’re into it or not. For this reviewer, by about track 3, “Miss Ohio”, I was quite happily transported into a headspace which had me wanting to sit down and watch Empire Records for the umpteenth time. The 1984 Draft could easily slot in alongside the likes of Coyote Shivers, Better Than Ezra and Ape Hangers in all of their mid-90’s, damn the man glory.
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