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Various
Artists: American Laundromat Sampler
Ten tracks from five bands make up this CD sampler from new label American Laundromat Records. Despite featuring mostly middle-of-the-road pop, there are notable offerings here from The Piv-Nerts and Wondernaut. It should be interesting to see what The Bennies sound like, as the band just signed with the label and will be tour-mates with The Pixies on their Northeast jaunt this fall.
Indeed, The Piv-Nerts are the best band featured here, with a sound that is both hyper and melodic (and a little left-of-center), and a voice reminiscent of XTC. My Situation might be too much to handle, with the Iggy Pop-come-game show host vocals (though it grows on you), but Venezuela is a much better offering: a thoroughly satisfying and unpredictable pop song with unexpected tempo shifts, hooks, and wonderful play throughout.
The Smarties and Wondernaut, though both a bit uneven, offer engaging moments. The last few minutes of the formers Make It Glow could be described as both triumphant and sublime, while the latters Valerie is a near-heartbreaking melody built on Built to Spill-style cascading guitar lines. 9-Fifty, meanwhile may be the indie Goo Goo Dolls (if not Candlebox), which is not to suggest mediocrity, as both bands have their merits. Their song, This Time, sounds like a slow version of Jesus Joness Right Here, Right Now, if you can imagine (so maybe theyre the indie Jesus Jones). Atomic Hep Cats round out the bunch with White and When She Wants It (overtly creepy vs. veiled creepy), songs that suggest Prince in a coffeehouse (but it doesnt really work).
This album can be purchased at American Laundromat Records About LOTD Contact/Staff Advertise Home All content © LEFT OFF THE DIAL 2001-2005. All rights reserved. |
