There's a lot of hurting to be found on any record called The Ache. With song titles like "Forever Surrender 2 U" and "I Want You 2 Love Me So Much I Can't Stand Up," the prevailing theme quickly becomes apparent. So, how then to put a new twist on the theme of lost love? Chicago's We Ragazzi do just that with a trio of angular guitar lines, smooth keyboard flourishes, and skittering drums pulling this little red wagon through the agony of a broken heart. Singer/guitarist Anthony Rolando invites comparisons to a young Mick Jagger or a less preachy Ian Svenonius, but these ears hear a lot more of fellow
Windy City native Billy Corgan in both his nasal delivery and deft enunciation. Colleen Burke handles the keys capably, providing a steady foundation while moving from upright piano to synthesizer to organ, always emphasizing the tonal strength of each instrument without ever overdoing it. Timothy McConville adds the beats, some of which sound too similar to one another from one song to the next in the same off-beat kinda way, yet he redeems himself by showing restraint when the situation calls for it. Styles fluctuate between the quiet piano balladry of "I Was So Goddamned" to the mid-tempo head nod of "Burn 4 U," each with Rolando alternating between flamboyant showman and sincere crooner. The best moments surface when Burke's additions mesh with the urgent vocals right before a edgy cutting guitar interrupts everything perfectly. Things seem to slow down on the second half, with some tunes employing synth beats that seem to stultify the underlying energy of the album, or are they encouraging it by simply being contrary? Either way, We Ragazzi make a considerable claim to the vacant throne of gospel heartache redemption with this sophomore effort.
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