Anyway

The Miggs render an entertaining set of pub rock on Anyway, a sturdy collection of tracks that display classic pop songcraft, dynamic vocal harmonies, and solid musicianship. Akin to mainstream rockers of the past three generations, this San Francisco-based quartet, led by singer/songwriter/guitarist Don Miggs, has mastered the art of suspense: The verses are tense, the solos are crisp, and the choruses often explode with a melodic flourish. The Miggs make no bones about their influences, as in "Between the Lines," which deadpans the spirited satire of Elvis Costello and the Attractions, or the overtly raucous Replacements via Rockpile vibe on "Hello World." But "Wish" is a worthy arena rock dirge, and the title track transverses dance, acid rock, and bubblegum all within a span of three minutes. The Miggs haven't reinvented the wheel on this outing, but they succeed as working class heroes.