A mostly power pop trio, with some songs coming in a step or two below, this threesome boasts a unique bond and similar musical vision that gives Semisonic a unique endearing influence on the music landscape.When Semisonic scored a hit with the 1998 last-call anthem “Closing Time,” the Grammy-nominated song became bigger than the trio. Wilson sounds just as he did so many years ago and this band has carved a special softer, alternative rock niche that suits them well and completely defines their tone. The extended absence shows no ill-effect to Semisonic’s songwriting. Finally, “Lightning” lumbers a bit, a near country feel to start, but the heaviest of the five song collection that takes a few listens to appreciate. It doesn’t seem like they spent much time on it but hardly a skipper. The shortest of the lot, “Don’t Make Up Your Mind” gives you a fun and simple pop song. This could easily be a Gin Blossoms song, even the name, and the first time I notice a vocal similarity between Wilson of Semisonic and Robin Wilson of Gin Blossoms.
“Basement Tapes” is the rocker of the bunch that allows Wilson to open up the fretboard more while Slichter punches a bit harder. The somewhat somber “All It Would Take” starts out with a soft piano before hitting a quicker rock pace and settling on a sweet hopeful melody. Wilson brings a super catchy structure to the opening and middle verse and 20 years ago this song would probably dominate the airwaves, probably not as much as “Closing Time” but close second. You’re Not Alone opens with the title track and first release off the album that arrived in July. The five-song EP You’re Not Alonestays true to the Semisonic sound with fun easy-going pop chords giving a mostly upbeat 15 minutes of fresh music. Indeed, Semisonic unveiled a couple of new songs at those shows that would help create the backbone for You’re Not Alone. The pop trio hailing from Minneapolis, MN returned to the stage a few times in recent years to commemorate the 20 th anniversaries of their debut album Great Divide and then Feeling Strangely Fine giving hope to fans the band wasplanning some type of return. After the band’s third album All About Chemistry, singer and guitarist Dan Wilson, bass guitarist John Munson and Slichter didn’t exactly break-up but pursued other ventures. Semisonic captured fame and fortune after their second album Feeling Strangely Fine, which had the hits “Closing Time” and “Secret Smile,” a rise documented by drummer’s Jacob Slichter’s sometimes hilarious book So You Wanna Be a Rock & Roll Star. After decades of inactivity, ok maybe a little exaggeration but not by much, Semisonic returns with the EP You’re Not Alone, the band’s first collection of new music in nearly 20 years.
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