The Makers - Everybody Rise (2005)

On their second album for Kill Rock Stars, the Makers glue their patented, dirty Spokane garage roar to a glammy, attitudinal approach with splendid results. Produced with the golden touch of board man Jack Endino, Everybody Rise! is an inspirational rock & roll album. Fist-pumping power oozes out of "Matter of Degrees," while "Good as Gold" is all basement blister. However, a new secret weapon emerges on these tracks in the form of the superb harmony vocals of Mike Maker and his brother Don Maker. The falsetto-steered "Ordinary Human Love," and the piano-plunked sweetness that is "Run with Me Tonight" skillfully show the softer side of the Makers. In doing so, these Washington State-bred cats confirm there is little they cannot or will not accomplish in their quest to get folks to dance to rock music again. As one of the most dependable and determined American outfits working in 2005, Everybody Rise! is the soundtrack of their ascent.