[rating=7.00]
After two years of exhaustive touring supporting their debut LP, Pickin’ Up the Pieces, Fitz & the Tantrums faced the daunting task of recording a follow-up album that would live up to the newly heightened expectations without simply releasing a carbon copy of the music that made them famous. Perhaps as a way of delegating that problem, front-man Michael Fitzpatrick this time opted against producing the album himself, instead handing the reigns to Tony Hoffer (Beck, The Kooks).
On their sophomore album, Fitzpatrick and company attempt to build on the retro-soul vibe of their debut by layering influences from across the musical spectrum. Though most songs fit comfortably into the mid-tempo indie-soul mold, there are also noticeable influences from rock ("Get Away") and even hip hop ("House Is On Fire").
As More Than Just a Dream begins, that seems like a mistake. However, after a slow start with two underwhelming songs, the album hits its stride with the thumping disco of "The Walker." With its tachycardia-inducing dancehall chorus, the track comes as close as possible to capturing the raw energy of Fitz and company’s live shows.
The most impressive song on the album, "Spark" perfectly highlights the band’s greatest strengths and weaknesses. Fitzpatrick’s smooth vocals soar over an infectious rhythm, culminating in a primal non-lexical chorus. The insanely catchy song will remain firmly lodged in your head for days, but all of the shouted whoas and ohs can’t conceal the fact that Fitz just doesn’t have much to say.
Maybe it’s nitpicking to expect lyrical poetry in an album intended to stimulate your blood flow more than your mind. It wouldn’t be accurate to label More Than Just a Dream a fun but hollow party album, though. Fitzpatrick founded the band as a way to deal with the pain of a rough breakup. That same desire for healing is evident in songs like "6am." Fitzpatrick and co-vocalist Noelle Scaggs trade off on each verse before harmonizing to deliver extra potency to the chorus, "I’m trying to move on beyond this pain before I break."
As with their nonstop touring, on More Than Just a Dream, Fitz & the Tantrums never take time to catch their breath. From one kinetic track to the next, the album never slows down. A quiet moment or two might to the band good, but for better or worse, the LA sextet keeps going until they’re "spinning on my last leg."
