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The
Bloodsugars: Self-Titled EP
Their name was not merely pulled from the pop ether. It seems Jason Rabinowitz, the creative engine behind this NYC band, is a diabetic but who cares? And I mean that as a compliment for even though its presence may influence the very name of the band, it clearly hasnt slowed down Jason any. All songs were written and produced by him, and he plays the guitar and keyboards that so obviously characterize the Bloodsugars energetic sound. The rapid fire march of the first track First Come Takers combined with Jasons Steve Nieve-like Farfisa keyboard makes this a smart introduction to the bands first release, with several nods to Elvis Costello and the Attractions. The song is catchy, without a doubt. First clue: Its funny how you end up singing songs like this to yourself and youre not quite sure where you heard them. Such was the case when I was in the toothpaste aisle. I found myself humming the refrain quite a bit when I was well away from my car (read: reviewing booth) and supposedly on to other things. Only when I stopped to question what I was humming and mumbling in the supermarket did I realize it was the Bloodsugars. Second clue: Didnt I hear this tune on NPR? Answer: I hadnt. They fooled me. The guitar/vocals relationship in Clash of the Religions reminds me of Joe Jackson in the Im the Man/Look Sharp days. Yes, of course early 80s. But saying Im reminded of it doesnt mean its an imitation thereof. Academy is another favorite, full of 80s-inspired creative energy. As in First Come Takers, youll find tight, quick snare smacks and a staccato-like rave that takes one back to the Attractions. My dated ear hears Argybargy-era Squeeze; at times the music rings of any clever Difford/Tilbrook romp from the good days Brit-style pop with lots of energy and meandering creativity in their writing, never letting the song go stale. Extra credit goes for the creative segue-way they employ to melt into the next track Its Here where Jasons keyboard is busy with an arsenal of 80s effects throughout the song, yet the placement is not contrived, abused, or perceived as mere filler. Thats what makes this Academy/Its Here coupling a sweet, creative addition to their first EP. Jezebel, a slow dirge that literally and figuratively sits last place in the Bloodsugars 5-cut EP, takes the release on a dark turn. Having said that, there are small moments within Jezebel that I do like. Taken as a whole, though, maybe its just that I just dont like hearing The Bloodsugars Jason Rabinowitz so languid and sullen when I know his pop promise lies at the heart of a Farfisa beat.
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