Labels: Gern Blandsten
Review by: Kunal Nandi
On paper, this lot have done everything right if they want me to gush over them. They have an amazing work ethic, practically living on the road for the past three years, touring with loads of bands I admire and adore. They’ve garnered comparisons to amazing bands both ancient and upcoming. So why does this leave me ever so slightly cold and unsatisfied?
We’re talking about rockage in the D.C.-style (Washington that is). We’re talking Fugazi, Jawbox, Bluetip and lots of other bands you are probably pretty familiar with. Melody and noise are balanced, usually underpinned by a rock-steady rhythm section, overlaid with some wailing guitar lines and obtuse lyrics. Etcetera.
Despite a nicely urgent feel to proceedings, too many melodies fail to stick in the mind, and the angular nature of the music is too forced at times. Not bad, but I could recommend a ton of other bands you should check out first.