When two bands sharing core members are formed in the same year, which one is the side project? My heart belongs to Math and Physics Club, but Central Services beat them to the full-length punch by a month. The Seattle quintet’s second release and first (self-titled) LP is pretty evenly divided between the soft rock of tracks like “4 Letter Word” and “Settle Into Gray” and the semi-precious pop of “Fun (While it Lasted)” and “Song ‘89.” Both styles work, though this group might be wise to concentrate on its more rockin’ side. That’s where they really outdo Math and Physics, and those sunny songs are packed with enough promise to carry fans through fall.

Central Services will celebrate with an album release show this Thursday, 9/7/06, at Chop Suey. Parks & Recreation, Patience Please (who are putting out a new EP), and  Friday Mile’s Jace and Hannah will also perform. Doors open at 8 p.m.

 [Editor’s Note: Having seen Friday Mile’s Jace and Hannah perform, I would like to add some two cents. Simply: in addition to this one great band we are recommending to you in this review, Friday Mile deserves a shout out also, because, well, they were awesome the last time i stumbled upon them.]