An unpublished micro-review written as part of my Top 10 Albums of 2017 list.
After 2011’s Separation and 2013’s The Things We Think We’re Missing, Balance and Composure were quickly proving themselves to be one of my favorite alternative acts. It was harder than punk rock, but not quite as self-serious as octane rock, either. So when 2016’s Light We Made featured a toothless brand of indie rock from the Doylestown locals, it was a big let down for me. Cut to Record Store Day 2017, when the group release a limited 3-song 7” of B-sides from Light We Made, and the bite is back. I think it’s safe to say I’m back in their corner. I’m still baffled that these are tracks that didn’t make the cut, particularly “Revelation,” one of their strongest songs in years. As Jon Simmons sings in the chorus, “How could I leave your side? I just had a revelation.”
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