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Bottom of the
Hudson: Holiday Machine EP
It seems like a small world sometimes. Back in 2002, I used to see Bottom of the Hudson open up for my friends old band Savoir Faire at the Outback Lodge back when I lived in Charlottesville, Virginia. I got pissed off when the local publication C-ville Weekly rated them as better performers than my friends, but whatever. I dont hold grudges very long. Bottom of the Hudson seem to be roaming around and changing locations lately, but this EP, Holiday Machine, was recorded right near Stephen Malkmus alma mater as well. Theyre an interesting group, with some appealing tunes. The singers voice is kind of different. I remember disliking the Wedding Present, because David Gedges voice reminded me a bit too much of Kermit the Frog. After awhile I got over this, and I hardly think about it anymore. Well on first listen, Bottom of the Hudsons singer reminds me a bit of a muppet as well; Im just not sure which one. With repeated listens though, this isnt a problem. If anything, it makes the band sound distinctive, which is a good thing. Maybe the voice issue is why the song Holiday Machine was the first track to really win me over. The vocals are buried pretty deep in the mix, and the song has some really cool layers of droning guitars, drifting keyboards, and lots of cymbals. In other words its really good. Most of the other songs here have a less chaotic style, but theyre pretty enjoyable too. One of Us reminds me more than a bit of the Archers of Loaf which is cool. Its got a nice buildup over a jangling guitar and some tense vocals. The band has one or two full-length albums out there, and I would certainly enjoy hearing a few more songs that sound like the title track here.
Check Amazon, Insound and CD Universe to purchase this album. Bottom of the Hudson Official Website
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