Review: That's Incredible 7"

That’s Incredible
Self-Titled
It’s Alive

There’s some irony with San Pedro’s That’s Incredible being named after the classic reality show. The way I see it, it’s four members come together, each bringing something unique yet complimentary to the table, much like the ensemble of a great sitcom or action series.

Let’s start with Sean Cole. A member of the FYP/Toys That Kill brain trust, he’s got a lot of experience over the years, like an unofficial leader. He’s a fantastic guitar player, and can make a song solemn and melancholy, yet still catchy as hell.

Transplant number one: Suzy. The former Soviette (a band who was often praised for being able to express anger through a great, happy song) who adds a distinct poppiness to the mix, that isn’t overly saccharine (see specifically her son “It’s All Good”, which is simple enough that you’re already singing along before you’ve finished hearing it for the first time).

Transplant number two: Matt Army. Former ringleader of the “worst punk band in NYC” Dick Army and the fantastically weird Four Deadly Questions, he’s the loose cannon with a “Don’t fuck with me” bad attitude-come-nervous energy. The grunt worker who will tell off the arrogant boss without a second thought (see his song “80 Doing 90”, as well as the riffs from “Aquanet” which sounds like they were taken from an unfinished 4DQ song). If it seems like I’m not giving him enough credit, think about the last time you were able to belt out a good, angry song on mic, and have it actually turn out pretty good.

Finally, Kid Kevin: Normally fronting the heavy and weird Killer Dreamer, he’s now positioned behind the drum kit. I like to think of him as the final spark – the one who sees ideas floating around, and kicking them into action.

The four of them have some great chemistry when they all come together. To keep the television comparisons going, if they were a sitcom, they’d be Taxi – wonderfully written, compelling, with colorful characters and a bit of grit, yet still leaves you feeling pretty good.

- Joe Evans III