The Wrens

April 11 - 18, 1 9 9 6

**1/2 The Wrens

SECAUCUS

(Grass)

The second album from the New Jersey-based Wrens combines abrasive guitars, solid bass lines, and Beatle-esque vocal harmonies with a tinge of garage punk. The first single, "Rest Your Head," discusses mortality and despair over a paradoxically bouncy melody. "Hats Off to Marriage, Baby" is a scathing rant against matrimony, with lyrics like "Hats off to maiden names/Marked as Mrs./Sex not kisses/How long you think you'll fan his flames?" "Won't Get Too Far" is a lovely dirge about a son who has failed to measure up to his father's meager accomplishments. In "Jane Fakes a Hug" a husband deals with impending divorce by toying with the idea of an affair with a pal's ex-girlfriend.

Lead vocalist Sett's hoarse tenor blends beautifully with the edgy guitars on most tracks. Unfortunately the lyrics -- the best part of the album -- sometimes get buried. The overall effect is great for background music; in spite of the Wrens' punk influences, the songs' continuity is lulling, not entirely memorable, but enjoyable.

-- Mary Ellen Carter

(The Wrens play the Middle East Sunday, April 14.)