Well Wisher - This is Fine [CD]

From the opening notes of Well Wisher's "This is Fine", it's clear the band are not afraid to brandish mighty guitar riffage front and center. In fact, they tiptoe perfectly between sounds that, on hasty assessment, could be classified singularly as punk, alternative, or even pop rock; yet, they seem to draw only the best elements of each, avoiding the less desirable pitfalls associated with these genres. The resulting sound is ambitious and raw, dynamic and powerful. Some of that power is owed to the deep current of lyrical content flowing just below the surface of seemingly happy, hook-laden tunes. Singer/guitarist Natalie Newbold mined her own past in a tumultuous, long-term relationship for the bulk of the inspiration throughout "This is Fine", resulting in a level of candor and self-reflection not often embedded in such catchy rock songs. This potent recipe has earned Well Wisher a reputation as one of the most-promising new bands to arise from the New Jersey DIY scene.