With big name '90s rock groups dropping like flies, it's a surprise that Better Than Ezra has managed to stick around this long. Even after being dropped by its label, Elektra, less than two months ago, BTE continues to put out material.
Better Than Ezra
Artifakt
Fudge Records
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Ever since the band's smash hit, "Good," BTE has been stuck in modern rock limbo. They exist somewhere between one-hit-wonderdom and indie rock. Artifakt is a testimony to the fact that BTE doesn't need a major label to distribute its material. The album is only available via its Web site,
www.betterthanezra.com, and at concerts.
Artifakt is a collection of rarities and b-sides designed to keep fans happy until the release of the band's next new project, slated for next February before the Elektra fiasco. While some BTE fans will recognize several of the songs from live shows or obscure bootlegs, many songs sound fresh and new.
"Tremble" and "Wintercoats" are updates to very old BTE material, hailing from their original independent release, Surprise. While there are no radical changes to the tracks, they sound much more crisp than their analog ancestors.
BTE has always been fond of the "driving song." Perhaps Artifakt's best example of this tradition is "Oh, Corrina," a funky lay-your-foot-on-the-peddle-and-sing-along track that's sure to be a hit at live shows.
Throughout its career, BTE has evolved its sound away from their alternative rock roots. Both "Silly Fool" and "Use Me" sound like b-sides off How Does Your Garden Grow?, the band's most experimental album to date. The combination of electronica and strings mixed with remnants of their alt-rock era makes both of these tracks stand out above the rest of the album.
During its tour this summer, BTE showed off several new tracks that did not make it onto Artifakt. It's unsure what their situation with Elektra will do to defer the release of these tracks, but if Artifakt is any indication, the trio still has quite a bit of life left in it.
