Screws Get Loose

Those Darlins branch out on their second release, Screws Get Loose. The bratty charm and bravado is still there but the songwriting is more interesting this time around and they increase the rock ‘n’ roll sizzle by pulling in garage, surf rock, and girl group influences while decreasing the country flavor. Where the drummer and lone male of the quartet, Linwood Regensburg, stuck to a straight shuffle beat on their debut, here the rhythms are varied and dynamic. He even gets a shot at lead vocals on “Let U Down” while the other three Darlins take turns at the microphone. Jessi Darlins’ sexy snarl is irresistible on the title track, “Mystic Mind,” and “Tina Said,” and Nikki and Kelley Darlins’ sweeter delivery on tough yet tender tunes “Hives” and “Boy” mixes things up. Witty, colorful lyrics cover the she side of the classic boyfriend/girlfriend scenarios they present, especially on the hilarious and infectious “Be Your Bro” and “Fatty Needs a Fix” in which they know what the boys want, but sorry fellas, they’re just not interested. This is high-octane rock ‘n’ roll delivered with a wink and sneer.