Thomas Tha Franchise

"Let me tell you what it feels like," begins Thomas Tha Franchise's Caffeine Dreams, a reference to Hoodie Allen, a clear influence to whom Thomas also nods in "Thumbs Up." Both Thomas's and Allen's songs are anthemic, suitable for bumping in cars and at frat parties. Like Allen, Thomas has...

By Noah Hubbell

June 13, 2013

Audio By Carbonatix

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"Let me tell you what it feels like," begins Thomas Tha Franchise's Caffeine Dreams, a reference to Hoodie Allen, a clear influence to whom Thomas also nods in "Thumbs Up." Both Thomas's and Allen's songs are anthemic, suitable for bumping in cars and at frat parties. Like Allen, Thomas has a penchant for hooks, and though his mostly cursory lyrics are a relative weakness, they aren't a burden. Beats for Caffeine Dreams are consistently strong, with the Purity Ring-like "Where's Your Soul" being a highlight. More variety in subject matter would give the album extra depth, but moments like the one in the title track in which Thomas sings a passage of Sublime's "What I Got" show a refreshing willingness to step outside the box. Caffeine Dreams isn't destined for the Library of Congress, but it's a good time, and it deserves attention from the local scene and beyond.

Noah Hubbell

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