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Never Going Back To OK again features all the components that made The Afters previous collection a hit--the memorable melodies, compelling lyrics, skilled musicianship and Havens' engaging lead vocals. Yet as Havens stated, the band was challenged to step it up on this new release and with one listen, it's obvious they not only met, but exceeded that challenge. Whether on pensive ballads such as "Ocean Wide" or potent tracks like "Keeping Me Alive," the band demonstrates the chops they developed over the past three years of relentless touring.
"It is definitely a lot more diverse than our last record," says Havens. "There are songs that rock harder than anything we've ever done before and then there are songs that are softer and more emotional than we've ever done before. I think the selection is much broader. I hope this is one that people will really enjoy."
On the lighter side, there's "MySpace Girl." "That's definitely out of the ordinary for us," Fuqua says of the song, which was inspired by a friend who met a girl at an In and Out Burger in LA, got to know her better via MySpace and wound up marrying her. "It's kind of a tongue and cheek song. It's a really fun song."
Whether singing about a romance that sprouted at a burger joint or exploring the complexities of life's most vulnerable moments, The Afters never shy away from exploring every facet of life's amazing journey. "We want to transform and figure out what life is all about," says Dodd. "That transformation process can be a good thing."
When that process inspires music this good, it's a great thing.