Koufax – Strugglers

Midwest indie pop rockers Koufax are a PopWreckoning favorite, so we were delighted when we received a copy of their just released album Strugglers. The line-up includes the dynamic characters Robert Suchan (vocals, guitar, wurlitzer, fun machine, organ), Dustin Kinsey (guitars, organ, synth, mandolin, omnichord), John Anderson (set drums, drum machine, percussion, backing vocals), Nathan Harold (bass, synth bass), Ryan Lallier (guitars).

On their MySpace page, Koufax declares themselves to be “the best band you never heard,” which is right on the money. Strugglers marks the band’s 4th full-length and 2nd with Doghouse Records, in addition to their debut, self-titled EP which was released on the label back in 1999. 2002 Vagrant release Social Life is still one of our favorite albums and after a bit of deviation from that sound on follow-up Hard Times Are In Fashion, Koufax returns to our favorite adrenaline rush dance rock.

On this album, Koufax chose to incorporate a little bit of jazz into this album by adding a wee bit of brass into some of their songs like “Any Moment Now” and “Once In A While,” all of which are perfectly conducted. Front man Suchan, having a distinctive voice you’ll feel that you’ve heard before, carries from the start of each song to the very end, and holding strong the entire way, especially in songs like “Roll the Dice.” The song is one of those songs that every band has on their album, which reaches out to the listener more than the other songs.

I recommend that you collect all of your chips, buy their album Strugglers and shake your hips. This album is guaranteed to keep you on the dance floor with music you will dig right down to the core.

Tracklisting:
01. Any Moment Now
02. Drivers
03. What I’m Saying
04. In the Name of Love
05. Roll the Dice
06. Strugglers
07. What We Call Flats
08. Facsimile
09. Once in a While
10. California Taught Us Well

Koufax: website | myspace

Written by: Kyle Thurin