Everything (not really)

Album by Better Than Ezra

This is technically alternative rock, but it doesn’t sound much like the Better Than Ezra I’m familiar with.

There’s a stronger psychedelic edge here, and even a touch of shoegaze in the way the guitars layer and drift over everything. It feels looser, a little more exploratory, like they’re still figuring out exactly what they want to be.

“Ezra Pound” is a great example of that — it has the backbone of a ’60s-inspired psychedelic track, but with those layered guitars pushing it somewhere more modern, and a clean hook holding it together.

“C.D.U.” is one of the catchier moments, with a chorus that really lands and a structure that builds and resets in an interesting way. “Tremble” feels closer to the version of the band I recognize — jangly guitars, pop sensibility, and a hook that sounds like it could’ve been a hit.

There are a lot of different shades across the album. “Winter Coats” leans more into folk rock, while “Hold Me Down” rides a strong riff and a sense of momentum, even as the lyrics hint at something darker underneath.

“Rearranging the Bones” has that late-’80s modern rock feel, something closer to Echo & the Bunnymen or The Church, while “We’re Fine” and “Circle of Friends” edge toward that early-to-mid ’90s alt-rock sound. “Circle of Friends” almost feeling like it arrived a few years early.

“Bag of Cobras” has a bit of a Toad the Wet Sprocket feel, and “Devil’s Girl” lands more squarely in that classic Better Than Ezra lane — jangly, melodic, and understated.

It has all the signs of an early album — a little rough in spots, but also full of ideas. You can hear the band stretching in different directions, trying things out, and occasionally landing on something really strong.

It’s not quite the version of them I expected, but it made for a surprisingly good listen.

Verdict: Solid

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