Super Enthusiast

During the five-year build-up to their first album, Long Island combo Macseal used a series of EPs and singles to hone their signature blend of warm-hearted, melodic indie rock that detours through emo and pop-punks outer fringes while also leaning into the bands inherent math-rock tendencies. While that may sound like a rather full plate, theres a casual charm to how the quartet make it all hang together on Super Enthusiast, their full-length debut for 6131 Records. Those years of D.I.Y. recording, releasing, and touring seem to have paid off as they deliver a focused effort whose parallel traits of laid-back humility and musical confidence make it likeable from the start. Out of the gates, Lucky for Some is a standout with a classic power pop feel, sweet harmony stacks, and enough dynamic shifts to keep it fresh. Likewise, Without a Trace is another memorable cut with a unique bass-led melody line and a punchy, tuneful chorus. These two tracks alone feel like a significant maturation of Macseals style. Fortunately, there is plenty more to like among Super Enthusiasts 11 tracks, from the energetic math-punk of Nothings a Sure Thing, Shelly to the world-weary tone of the uniquely built Graduating Steps and the brightly stuttering closer Safe Spot. The nimble interplay between guitarists Ryan Bartlett and Cole Szilagyi is evenly matched by bassist Justin Canavaciol and drummer Francesca Impastatos charismatic output, with the full quartet gelling in a way that is technically impressive without alienating listeners or playing over each other. In spite of their obvious chops, this foursome manage to serve their songs well on this strong debut. ~ Timothy Monger