Raise Another Glass

Remember that song “Sucked Out” by Superdrag from back in the ’90s? It was a popular and promising alt-rock hit that ended up being the band’s only claim to fame. Lead singer John Davis was thrust onto a high pedestal by labels and fans alike, only to crash both professionally and personally as he dealt with alcoholism. While Superdrag did get back together for one reunion tour, John Davis and longtime friend and fellow former Superdrag member Brandon Fisher have teamed up in a new way as The Lees of Memory, and have released their full-length debut Sisyphus Says on SideOneDummy records.

Opener “We Are Siamese” is bursting with all sorts of instruments and feedback. Not only does Davis provide vocals (which are almost overpowered by the band), he plays guitar, bass, piano, synth and percussion. Add in Fisher, who’s also playing guitar, and Nick Slack on drums, and there’s a lot going on.

They take it down a notch on follow-up ballad “Little Fallen Star,” which sounds like it could’ve belonged on a soundtrack like Mallrats. It’s got that ’90s-style touch to it, with the slow electric guitar and build-up during the melody before Davis picks back up at the chorus: “I want you to stay right where you are, / little fallen star, / I can’t stop the world from trying to break your heart, / It’ll fall apart.” The album ends like a lullaby after a long day with “(I Want You To) Let It Flow.” Instruments and voices become softer and prettier.

There’s a good hour of tunes on Sisyphus Says. Not all parts are equal, but clearly Davis and his crew in Nashville can provoke enough of a spark to gain attention. And it doesn’t hurt that they used to be MTV slacker-anthem kings either.