Labels: Track & Field
Review by: Andy Malcolm
Ha ha, here I am, reviewing and liking records that are totally un-Collective (well, fuck that, we’re mutating again, deal with it!), let me single-handedly destroy our ‘reputation’. The Great Lakes play rocking 60s style pop (i.e. what we call indie rock in the 21st century). And this is the 2nd record I have reviewed today that has piano on it. Hmm. Worrying. First up we have “Conquistadors” which is buzzin’ and simple, and very sunny. Kind of like a US west coast pop feel to it (Beach Boys), or if Fountains of Wayne were messy and not clean. It is catchy, retro, and fun. But. The song descends into a pretty awesome instrumental wig-out for the final couple of minutes, with guitar solo’s and piano plinking aplenty. Ah, the wonders of stoner indie.
“Sister City” is the pal on the B-side, and it is total Who worship crossed with Fountains of Wayne pop sensibilities, like the harmonies and less rockin’ parts. It feels wrong to like this, but fuck it! Great stuff. More piano! Retro retro retro, kick out the jams and break out the air guitar. Super solid.
I guess for the most part this is nice and straight forward, but the little touches make this infintely preferable to poseur bands pretending they are from decades long gone.