MP3 Review: Born Anchors' First Song Since Sprezzatura Shines but Falls Flat

"Teasing Lions" doesn't sound much like the songs on Sprezzatura, Born Anchors' 2009 post-punk, new wave-influenced album. For one, the production on this new song--the first released from the upcoming Colorize the Grey--is sparkling clean. Jason Parker's vocals are sharp and clear as he sings melodically and calmly. Even on Sprezzatura's more turned down tracks--"Cascading" is one example--Parker growls, and his doubled vocals are fuzzy and slightly distorted. This smart effect was everywhere, both vocally and instrumentally, on the band's debut, and it was the auditory equivalent of sand through a sieve. It was raw and rough; that energy made Born Anchors feel unpredictable and limitless. The guitars on "Teasing Lions" are just as heavy as Sprezzatura's, but they're almost too polished. This new song shows growth--in a press release for Colorize the Grey, Parker says he was in a "much better place for the new album"--but it's also feels like Born Anchors are softening their edges. Let's hope the rest of their sophomore release lacks this flat shine.