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Album Details

• Artist: Mike O'Neill
• Album: Wild Lines
• Label:
• Year of Release: 2012
• ME Rating:
• Reviewed by: tosnob on 2012-03-26

It's been a long time, 8 years to be precise, since we've heard from The Inbreds' Mike O'Neill. It's probably not surprising then when he declares 'I'm gonna make a brand new start', on "This Is Who I Am", the first track on his new studio album Wild Lines.

Wild Lines as a title is a misnomer, as the songs on the album are unrushed, controlled pop rock. There's little raucous or unleashed about them.

O'Neill seems to be under no pressure as he effortlessly strings together pleasant melodic tunes like "Henry", and "Colin". The hooks are sharpened on "Don't Forget To Breathe" and the sugary Sloan-esque pop tune "Say You Don't Mean It".

Things do get a little too sleepy from time-to-time. "Old Forest" and "Calgary", for example, are so snoozy that you'll find your mind wandering to other important issues, like did I leave the stove on?

O'Neill does find the sweet spot several times. The strolling ditty "Tidy Up" and "Overtime", with its country slant, offer two very different head-bopping opportunities. The album's statement song comes in the form of "Wasted Time". O'Neill manages to sound both strident and empathetic as he delivers the song with unwavering confidence.

The relaxed feel of Wild Lines is welcome. It sounds like O'Neill is easy himself back into things, and making the listener comfortable while he does it. It's a nice, if not brilliant, return.

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