Grade: C-
Indie rock group Tallhart’s sophomore effort “We Are the Same” is a summer sleeper. Max Bemis, front man of Say Anything, has taken the melodic rockers under his wing and aided in the production of Tallhart’s first album. While his influences are noticeable, Tallhart lacks the spark and tongue-in-cheek playfulness of Say Anything. Instead, it delivers pretty, mellifluous tracks with lyrics about the hackneyed topics of love and loss. Despite the group certainly possesses musical skill, the final product is, frankly, boring. The vanilla styling makes Tallhart blend in with countless other unknown indie bands on the circuit. However, a few tracks keep things interesting with more upbeat tempos and unique guitar work. Breakout tracks are “Fighter,” “See God Again” and titular song “We Are the Same,” which features expert drumming.