Aluminum Boys – Collected Pieces

Aluminum Boys crash into the indie rock scene with Collected Pieces, an album that wears its heart and its humor on its sleeve. This is no mere collection of songs; it’s a sprawling, soul-baring celebration of contradictions, grief, and stubborn hope. From the first notes of “Common Pleas” to the triumphant closer, the album pulses with the kind of messy humanity that makes great music unforgettable.

The partnership between Jared Ottmann and William “Bill” Pence shines through every track, weaving swaggering wit with emotional resonance. I found myself smiling at the clever turns of phrase and wincing at the raw honesty buried beneath them. “Favorite Days” stands out as the emotional anchor of the record, blending the grandeur of The Decemberists with the aching introspection of Disintegration-era Cure.

The production, led by Paula Kelly and Aaron Tap, lifts these songs into a symphonic indie dreamscape without losing their garage-born charm. Highlights like “Pocahontas, IL” and “Green Texts” show the Aluminum Boys’ rare ability to balance humor and heartbreak within the same breath.

“Collected Pieces” is a gloriously tangled, big-hearted indie rock record, and if this is just the beginning, I can’t wait to hear what Aluminum Boys do next.