Augustana

iTunes Review

Kings Of Leon producer Jacquire King helped Augustana veer from their Coldplay-by-way-of-U2 inspired piano ballads toward rootsy arena anthems. The opening tune, “Steal Your Heart,” is an impassioned insta-hit that has more in common with early-‘90s Bruce Springsteen. The warm guitar phase introducing “Wrong Side of Love” sounds imported straight from the House Of Love’s 1988 hit “Christine” before Dan Layus comes in singing like Nils Lofgren. Underneath the catchy piano melodies and sweeping string section of “Counting Stars” you can hear the sound of a band taut from the inimitable experience of relentless touring. The more complex changes on the acoustic-based “Borrowed Time” are just as tight, though this song contrasts the band’s flawless changes with lazy slide-guitars, light shuffled rhythms and plenty of room for Layus’ lyrics to stretch out enough for some sublime close-harmonies that give the tune a ‘70s country-rock feel. Standout song “Hurricane” blends that backlit twang with a “Beast Of Burdon” swagger. “Hearts Wonder” and “Last Mistake” are exclusive songs deeply rooted in Springsteen’s heartland hymns.