Bluetip's singer/guitarist Jason Farrell doesn't think very highly of himself, because a lot of his songs, like "I Even Drive Like a Jerk," are self-critical jabs at his own character, while others are about drinking, fighting, and creepy bar patrons. Though, almost all of the subject matter on
Join Us is depressing,
Bluetip's music is generally stirring stuff; nifty-sounding choruses backed by rip-roaring guitars. These guys are similar to fellow D.C. post-punk/whatever bands like
the Dismemberment Plan and
Burning Airlines, whose Jay Robbins produced this record. Though
Bluetip's take on the D.C. sound is a bit better than average, after several listens
Join Us doesn't leave a lasting impression. ~ Adam Bregman