THE FAULTS
The Faults
LynnPoint

Mic Harrison got what he wanted with the release of his new band The Faults' self-titled debut. The former co-lead singer-songwriter with the late, lamented V-Roys said he wanted a "nervous pure pop fuckin' rock record," and that's just what he and the band got on this 12-song disc. Sure, there's the occasional acoustic wandering here and there, but for the most part The Faults play driven, melodic rock tunes wrapped in excellent vocal harmonies and big, nasty guitars. The Faults show only the merest hints of their former lives as The V-Roys.

And most of that lies within Harrison's songwriting skills, which have matured over the past two years. Most evident is the album's opener, the incredibly infectious "Dishonest Jenny.” Although not a new tale - Jenny's inability to tell the truth makes her a poor romantic choice but our protagonist can't seem to leave well enough alone - Harrison and the band's delivery makes for one of those tunes that stays stuck in your head for days at a time. Fellow former 'Roys drummer Jeff Bills and bassist Paxton Sellers recreate the tight yet nimble rhythm section that helped make the old band so special, locking down for a four-on-the-floor attack on "Big Show" then sliding into a bouncing lope for the clever "Whispering Goodbye."

Rounding out the new attack is former Ramblin' Roy guitarist Robbie Trosper, whose punk-influenced guitar drives the swirling "Ready To Go." He joins Harrison for a massively ugly - in a good way, of course - guitar attack on "Watertown," breaking off Southern rock guitar licks between the post-Replacements racket. On the acoustic numbers, Harrison shows a surprising vulnerability, particularly on the lovely album closer "Poison Land," giving another indication that no matter how good a pop record The Faults is, there's still a lot more the band has under its belt.

If there's one complaint - and there's always gotta be at least one complaint - it's that The Faults is only half the musical kick in the ass of The Faults the band playing live. And as good as the former is, you know the latter is just bound to bend your ears back... which, of course, is a good thing. Just to be safe, check out both. (143 Judith Dr., Knoxville, TN 37920)

The Faults play at the 40 Watt Club on Thursday, July 19.