The Perms have really straightened out their sound with the release of their fourth full-length CD, Keeps You Up When You’re Down, which they release Friday, Apr. 3 at The Cavern. The 12-track album is braided with loveable pop-rock tunes comparable to the likes of energetic and upbeat poppers Weezer, Sloan and Green Day. The Mess and Big Mistake are the album’s catchiest and demand loud, repeated listens. The album never loses its curl, held together from beginning to end with a spray of tight musical breaks and danceable pop-vibes. Like most of the lyrically simple tracks on the album, Salvation, the CD’s closer offers a little context for the album name and a promise to its listeners; it definitely will “lift up your heart… keep you up when you’re down.”

Published in Volume 63, Number 26 of The Uniter (April 2, 2009)