badcandy is a Chicago-based band playing a self-described “post-garage-rock maelstrom” and led by singer Alex Subak. She whispers, hums, sings, and screams in equal measures of beautiful rock & roll intensity throughout their debut album Regret, inspired by Ani DeFranco, Fiona Apple, and Regina Spektor, and her experiences with and as a survivor of IPV (Intimate Partner Violence). In addition to Alex’ cited influences, I hear some Pretty Reckless/Taylor Momsen in both vocal style and the instrumentation behind her, an occasional Chris Robinson-like delivery, and even a little Billie Eilish in the few spots where it gets quiet.

As convenient and routine as it is for writers like me to bridge new music we’re consuming to things we know, badcandy is much more than a culmination of Subak’s influences and ties to my own record collection. The songs on Regret are diverse and deep. The 6/8 number “Science” was an early favorite here, with a great groove beneath a strong melody and great rockin’-cracking-hoarse vocal, stopping and starting, then reverting back to the simple but effective Mike Vinopal guitar licks during the vamps.

“Conscience” is another example of some hot leads adding the needed tasty flavor to a strong ‘90’s throwback vocal melody and overall feel that wouldn’t have been out of place on a Screaming Trees album in their heyday. The guitar tones and riffs drive the songs and perfectly support the vocals, maintaining a great balance between melodic flavor and faster hard rock throughout the album. The arrangements and performances demonstrate not only the ability and willingness to do what’s best for the song, but the hours invested at the rehearsal space to find the sweet spot between the guitars and vocals and the pounding, locked-in rhythm section of drummer Todd Gutner and bassist Matt Walters.

Every band has a studio in their basement now, and it’s hard to deny the convenience and cost advantages of making your own albums, but it’s refreshing when a band does it the old way, with people at the helm who work with the musicians to support and improve on their visions with their experience and tech knowledge. That investment absolutely shows and sets a clear line between the two camps. Regret was recorded at Steve Albini’s (RIP) Electrical Audio studio by Greg Norman (Guided by Voices, The Breeders, Cheap Trick), and his contributions to engineering and production result in a great-sounding, well-mixed album that sounds perfectly inline with the bands on his resume and releases by today’s younger but well-established bands on festival stages around the world. Those production values paired with the great songs and top-notch playing make for a hell of a debut. You’d be well advised to pick this one up and watch for badcandy on a stage near you.

Jeremy Porter lives near Detroit and fronts the rock and roll band Jeremy Porter And The Tucos. Follow them on Facebook to read his road blog about their adventures on the dive-bar circuit.
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