Rating: 3.5 Pulses

It’s hard to believe that Post Script is the first full-length album from local trio The MiddleMen. The polished production, sophisticated packaging, and level of talent all smack of more experience than these guys could possibly have, and do their music credit.

The album is definitely rock, massaged with a blues sensibility, and driven by the punked-up skin hitting of Matt Wilson, drummer and vocalist. Mitch Holland keeps it real on the bass.

Lead vocalist and guitarist Bobby Gray’s signature raspy tone delivers every song with force, sometimes in a gravely whisper, and sometimes in an angst-filled yell.

“Afraid,” the album’s first track, is the best. There’s something undeniably marketable in the build, subtly pushed forward a verse at a time, culminating in an abrupt silence.

Each subsequent track is solid, with touches of The Black Keys, Black Crowes, and Black Flag, and maybe even a little Blues Traveler, so don’t worry about the first track being so good.

Sometimes the yelling gets to be a bit much for me, but that’s a matter of taste rather than a matter of skill, and my feelings never last long. Inevitably they take it back a notch vocally and I’m right back on board.

It’s inevitable that their album is energetic. The MiddleMen’s live shows are renowned for their punk sensibility meets gravely voice balance, always delivered with a certain level of vigorous activity from front-man Gray, who has referred to their live performances as “a punk show for people who may not like punk.”

Post Script is definitely worth picking up. Some local fans may have gotten a copy at The MiddleMen’s April 25 release show. To get your own copy and keep up with all things MiddleMen, visit themiddlemenmusic.com.