Fractions

The songwriting on Fractions is infused with psychedlia, Beatles like pop and classic rock. And then there's the mark of storied producer Sean Slade (Radiohead, Hole, the Pixies, Dresden Dolls), who brought a new perspective to the talented band and helped them capture their musical evolution on tape (not Pro Tools) at Wavelab. Nick wrote 9 of the 11 songs on Fractions. The opening guitar churn of "Pretty Mama" feels like a Badfinger flashback. (A good thing, that.) "It's Not Over Yet" rides on a menacing wash of chords until it breaks into the undeniable hook of the chorus. "One Way Ticket Home" immediately gets the head boppin' and the fingers poppin', while "Bitten" is a late-night burner reminiscent of Luca's earlier work as the Nick Luca Trio. And the sweet piano melody in "Down" is tenderly complemented by Nick's breathy vocal delivery.