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Sep 04, 2018 Web Exclusive By Stephen Mayne

Tension simmers on the sophomore effort from Mass Gothic, a collaboration between former Hooray for Earth frontman Noel Heroux and Jessica Zambri, half of the experimental sister act using her last name. Is this sweat soaked, peak CBGB’s punk rock, or Stars style pop rock?

I’ve Tortured You Long Enough comes two years after the duo’s self-titled debut, and it’s never less than pleasing. Zambri and Heroux, who are also married to each other, make for confident vocalists and the sound they’ve crafted crackles with sudden shifts. A fuzzy guitar line cuts through from nowhere, vocals are unexpectedly elevated, layers of sound pile on and slip off again as synths circle. It’s not a boring experience.

It’s also one that finds its footing over time. The record seems to realize what works, gradually relinquishing a grip on rock sensibilities, giving in to the lighter feel of the 2016 debut. There the balance was more consistent, sparkly moments sitting safely atop rock and roll grime.

But the tension remains. Opening track “Dark Window” is a prime example, half rock paradise, half pop masterpiece. It works here, less so right after on “Call Me” and “J.Z.O.K.” Driving instrumentation exists awkwardly beside a slick sheen, neutering the impact of both.

Aside from “Dark Window,” a map to a world Mass Gothic hasn’t quite reached yet, the most successful tracks lean on the glossy side. “Keep on Dying” is delightfully anthemic, driven by a thudding beat. Then the title track arrives like a melancholic movie score before the same thudding beat kicks in. This is where they remain most comfortable.

Don’t expect more of the same and don’t expect the world to shake. The sum total is a modest success punctured by stumbles, reinflated by longer strides. The foundations have been reinforced, variation is creeping in, and all is well. (www.massgothic.com)

Author rating: 6/10