White Reaper – Only Slightly Empty

Only Slightly Empty, White Reaper’s latest ripper, will undoubtedly get critiqued for sounding too polished or too mannered. Remaining in flux after losing their rhythm section and getting dropped by Elektra, one of the most bizarre major label signings in recent years, the Louisville rockers respond to the changes by toning down their lighthearted power pop for a more muscular, overdriven guitar sound on their fifth LP.

While the remaining members, a power trio now, haven’t lost any of their edge, they’re channeling it with renewed energy. From charging power chords (“Eraser”) to biting jangle pop (“Pocket”), the guys seamlessly shift the tone while placing Tony Esposito’s yearning vocals front and centre. The revved-up “Blink,” the closest here to the sleek new wave of past records, shows they can still write a catchy melody that sticks. “Maybe we're a freakshow, and that much is never gonna change,” Esposito declares on album highlight “Freakshow,” tapping into their raw vulnerability while keeping true to themselves.

Only Slightly Empty is out now via Blue Grape Music Inc.