Romantic Comedy marks this New Jersey based band’s second album, following up 2008’s Worry. The band members themselves admit that Romantic Comedy is a big change from their first album, with drummer Sam Franklin replacing the drum-machine used on the first album. It’s almost as if the album sounds more complete, more put together, and that’s because the band is finally whole and on the rise.
Big Troubles originally consisted of Alex Craig and Ian Drenned, Jersey natives who were ambitious with ears and talent for a good sound. Romantic Comedy pulls those two notions together and so does Franklin and bassist Luka Usmani. The additional members have launched Bad Troubles beyond a bunch of dudes who enjoy jamming to good music. They seem more dynamic, with perceptive lyrics and a stronger beat.
What’s even more impressive is how the band’s name is encompassed in their song titles. “Misery” has great acoustics, rhythmic drums with lyrics that are universally appealing. “I just wanna have some fun” drifts throughout the chorus, and seemingly through life itself. This attitude that the band possesses, that life can be shitty but you just have to laugh to get by, is certainly relatable enough to roll through various demographics.
Romantic Comedy is the perfect album to kick back and get lost in. The music is captivating, and the lyrics express your daily thoughts so you don’t have to vent to that poor co-worker, friend, or family member. Big Troubles gives us that perfect combination of a poppy-sound with a beat to bounce your knee to, making this band timeless.