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BANDS: Punk
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Gerty: Sweets from the Minibar
Oh, how to be objective with a band like Gerty when you're a thirty-something who considers Sixteen Candles to be one of the finest films around. So many cuts from Gerty's latest work, Sweets from the Minibar, evoke the soundtrack of a Molly Ringwald fadeout to closing credits that I realized the late 70s, early 80s New Wave sound has not yet dwindled. This Durham duo - back from two years of hibernation, according to their press kitprograms an intelligent mix of looped drum beats, synthesized melodies, and memorable harmonies to honor the period. Centering around the talents of Shirl Hale and David Koslowski, who apparently exchanged vows as well as creative ideas, this recording enlisted the help of Carolina notables Mitch Easter (of Let's Active) on guitar and Chris Stamey (of the dBs) as producer. Let's Active and the dBs? Damn. This CD conjures up more memories than my high school yearbook. The first track, Short Drive Home, with its prominent keyboard, drum track and guitar, quickly reveals what one should expect from Sweets as a whole. Its a clear nod to 80s New Wave, and at first listen may be a bit of a jolt. Koslowskis relaxed, slightly sandpapered vocals remind me of early Ric Ocasekas in The Cars first album, and Hales emphatic delivery shows the confidencebut not shrillof the B-52s Kate Pierson. Keep listening, though, and listen often. As Far As I Can See, Just One More Time, Spine, and Tragic Tragedy, deserve repeated listening to let the hook set in. All have rich harmonies, 80s inspired keyboards, and a meter I cant get out of my head. Sweets is not mere New Wave replication, however. The band rightfully boasts of having one foot in the future and one foot in the past. Songs like, Haven't Slept a Wink, with its unlikely combination of infectious schoolyard rhyme and sitar (no sitar credits given on the liner notesare they that skilled with a keyboard?) and the slow, somber Remember, show the far boundaries of Gertys creativity. Sweets is a multimedia release, which, aside from its 14 tracks, includes an interview video with Shirl and David, plus a music video for the tune Boston Smells like Ginger. Its a good way to become familiar with a band deserving more recognition.
If youre like me, youll find Sweets from the Minibar
deserves a few runs over for you to really appreciate Gertys creativity. Let
the harmonies and the melodies grow on you like an English football song, and
youll find yourself humming along in no time.
You can purchase this album at Insound, Amazon, CDNow, and CD Universe LEFT OFF THE DIAL's Gerty page About LOTD Contact/Staff Advertise Home All content © LEFT OFF THE DIAL 2001-2005. All rights reserved. |
