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Formed around core members Damon Tutunjian, Andy Bernick, and Seana Carmody (the last making a comeback to the current circle), Swirlies are currently backed by additional 12 musicians on this long-awaited EP, proudly listing a (gasp!) broken Danelectro in its arsenal.
Cats of the Wild is a compendium of new, fresh materials and somewhat-obscure prior nuggets that include "Indian Ocean Nosedive," the crystalline slumber piece "Little Tail," and the slightly revamped version of "One Light Flashing I Love You." Instant gratification is guaranteed in "Give Us Moon Rocks!" and "Le Bag," laden with charming pop hooks plus tympanic membrane-busting EQ's that fans have come to expect---even the band's longtime playful, slick prankster shtick for hidden "bonus" tracks (or lack thereof). "Sleepytime," being more fitting for some sort of clanging guitar reveille than a prelude to counting sheep, proves to be the ultimate screwing-with-your-brain antics.
Over the years, Swirlies' genius has been about keeping one foot firmly planted in a mélange of punchy, gritty guitars, lo-fi aesthetics, and twee-ish vocals, while another foot steadily rests in preserving the frenzied analog synth heritage of The Yes Girls and the Sneaky Flute Empire. An assemblage of found sounds and random old-school electronica bleeps, gurgles, and noodlings, the fractured multi-movement "Cats of the Wild Forever" is as varied and detailed as the taxonomy of the animal kingdom, given the ensemble's penchant for ostriches and felines, among other things (one's left to wonder if this is really the origin of Boston chimp rock). It's something of a veritable feast for the ears.
NANCY HUTAGALUNG
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