A Battery of Tests (Basement Bar)

It seems that sounding like The Beatles is becoming increasingly chic in hipster indie rock circles. From Brendan Benson to what seems like the vast majority of the Mint Records roster, the direct aural influence of the Fab Four appears to be making quite a comeback. Rob Szabo, frontman for Plasticine as well as the long-departed Groove Daddys, has offered up yet another collection of Lennon-McCartney-esque tunes on this, his debut solo record. A solid effort that finds its place heavily on the late-era Lennon side of the equation, Szabo’s songs possess a wonderfully intimate quality that fits well with the subtlety of the songwriting. From the opening of “Watchin’ A Movie,” Szabo establishes the mood he is hoping to evoke with this release and maintains it beautifully throughout the rest of the album. – Sam Sutherland
File next to: Lennon’s grave.