|
This Seattle group's debut EP lasts a mere 14 minutes but in that short time they manage to make a small impression with their indie/new wave sound. The group are avowed fans of early REM and Elvis Costello and those influences are easily noticeable in the organs which sound lifted from an old Costello record with The Attractions and in lead singer Ray Proudfoot's voice which sounds like a shakier version of Michael Stipe's mumblings. The group do better during their punkier moments like "Little Mouthfuls", but they're far less engaging on geeky twee-pop songs like "Too Forthright" which wastes a good vocal harmony break-down on a campy song. If they can tighten up their songwriting and do away with the goofiness, then maybe they can convince me to give them another chance.
DAVID MANSDORF
|
