Where many wallow in their own misery over the breakup of a band, few see the potential for good things to come down the road.
The Draft came together after Hot Water Music called it quits a while back. One of the singer/guitarist Chuck Ragan went on to start up his own acoustic solo act and even a 7inch mail-order club. The nerds are creaming themselves I'm sure. Meanwhile the rest of HWM, Jason Black, Chris Wollard, and George Rebelo chilled out for a while and cultivated riffs, words, and thumps for what would be called The Draft. Adding Todd Rockhill on extra guitar was a sweet decision and stiffened up the backbone.

You might recognize Rockhill from the old school Gainesville band Discount. Roots run deep in The Draft. Wollard is a great songwriter and an established singer, so it's fitting that he's the only voice you hear on In a Million Pieces - besides the harmonies and back ups. Wollard is the fundamental songwriter here, which means that the lyrics may seem a little wishy-washy. With such great musicians it's a good chance that better things will eventually come together. George Rebelo's drumming has always been a grisley timing facemelt, and don't expect it to slow. The tempo changes are fucking sick. They touch all corners of aural enjoyment but sometimes switch it up with some serious rainy day antics. The rain comes courtesy of Brian McTernan, or "The Man" as he's referred to on the Wickepedia. He's a hardcore/screamo ramrod who's worked with The Draft's members on the last three HWM records which also seemed to have been coated in a creeping gloomyness. He's a good producer and all, but come on - a fucking xylophone? Check out "We Can All Count On" to see what I mean. Now that's saucy and savvy producing. I not bitching I'm just saying. "Longshot" hints at some sort of gothic surfer rock with some very silly backing vocals. I could do without that song actually.

I feel the breakup of the band is a great thing, and ironically on "Impossible," Wollard moans "It's the right time, to pack it up." It just means more good music on more occasions. If you've always listened to the HWM records then you've probably seen this record coming light years ago. Of course, if you hated that band then you still might dig these guys. Something here for everyone. A pretty good debut with mucho potential as a starting band.