Labels: Tugboat
Review by: Andy Malcolm
I heard this band on the radio a few weeks ago, and was so intrigued by the song that I had to track them down. Happily, this 7″ features the exact same song that was played, and here’s my scrambled attempt at describing them…
The reason this band stand out is quite unique vocals of Sue Tompkins. Absolutely bizarre, with a strange childlike innocence about them. I don’t know if she improvises or something, but she has to be heard to be believed.
Side A song, “The Leanover” reminds of the Van Pelt but with these strange girl vocals, it seems like she is yelping out nonsense, but pay attention and you can just about make it out. But sometimes it’s almost like Pingu the penguin or something! She’s even throwing in some French at opportune moments. I can quite honestly say I’ve never heard anything like it. No-one is going to learn how to sing a long. The guitars are light and twinkly a la the Pelt, while Sue’s sing-song talking rolls over the top at rather a pace. Quite special.
The b-side, “New Town” is a little more laidback, the repetetive guitar work is reminiscent of the Promise Ring’s mainly, but Sue is on-hand to enchant things again. The track explodes into life every now and again, building up to louder parts. It’s so cute near the end when she’s singing “I hear you, shh! I hear you, shh!”. Aww.
I have no idea who these people are, I think they are British, but definitely if you see this 7″, check it out. And they have a cool emo name. Heh.