The Wanteds – “Failure Looks So Good”

By: Maxwell Barna

            When I think of the Indie-Rock scene, no one really exceptional comes to mind for me. That being said, when I first found out about this band I just remember thinking to myself, “oh, an Indie-Rock band from Portland, Oregon? That’s never been done before!” However, when I actually sat down and listened to their new album, “Failure Looks So Good” I was pleasantly surprised with what The Wanteds had created. I dissected the entire record in one sitting, all the while trying to place my finger on what exactly makes these guys so different from every other Rock driven Indie band out there right now. Oddly enough, I came up empty-handed. However, even more oddly enough, there is something about this band that makes them unique and gives them a very interesting sound in a very good way. There is just something about them that I honestly enjoy. Over all, the album, comprised of songs like “Ladysmith,” “Too Soon For Always,” and “Oblivion,” proves to be very solid and pretty well-rounded. Tommy Harrington’s voice comes together very well with the poppy melodic guitar and thoughtfully wandering bass-lines of his two other band mates, Ryan Mullen and Adam Mack. One of the most noteworthy things about this album is that not one song sounds like another, which is an issue that the music industry has been trying to cope with a lot lately. Some musicians are just good enough to get together and compose music and make it sound O.K. However, it takes heart and soul to make a song speak to people and that’s something that this band pulls off well. I pulled out a beer and braced myself for the worst with this band. But after listening to the first song, “Ladysmith” I smirked and put the beer back in the fridge and moved on with the album. Now THAT’S saying something.