Labels: Touchwood
Review by: Andy Malcolm
In the world of “3 men with guitars and a bloke who hits drums” the New Jersey based Wrens stand out. In no way have they created a whole new musical form, but they do certainly have enough about them to make them just that little bit different to any other band I have heard recently.
Abbott 1135 is a six-track EP. In true Wrens style it is home brewed and produced, which gives the band the freedom to achieve their grand ambitions of building some complex, ranging and multi-layered songs with a whole Eurotunnel-load of neat harmonies and exciting guitars. To the ear that is unfamiliar with the Wrens then the songs here, starting off with the splendid “Pretty OK”, can initially seem a horrible mess, with too much going on at once. But as with every song on here, give it a couple of listens and hopefully you’ll be fortunate enough to find that it slides neatly into place for you.
“It’s Alright” has more of a rock ‘n’ roll feel to it than any of the songs off of the 2nd album “Secaucus”, but essentially its still the eccentric post-punk pop-rock that the band mainly deals in. As is the wonderful “North To Nothing”, which bursts with yet more imaginative ideas and little touches that help make the Wrens unique amidst the crowded music genre that they inhabit. Most ‘disappointing’ track on show is “I Guess We’re Done”, but its still a damn fine song. Much more pop than any other song on the EP, and has even got some church bells in the background for much of the time.
“This Machine” is yet another song packed brimful of trademark Wrens sounds and guitar effects, with an obscenely tuneful and perfect chorus. Then its all rounded off with the skittish “Fire Fire” and Abbott 1135 is over. What! Just the 6 tracks? More! Now! “Fire Fire” positively rocks a long with shoutier vocals – something the Wrens do to great effect. And it makes for a fantastic contrast. Throw in some off-kilter and rapid piano and you have the ingredients for a final slice of magnificence.
Not everyone will be into the Wrens, and I can understand why – they are far from instant, and can demand a lot of your attention, especially at the times when it seems like they are playing different and entwining songs at the very same moment. But its touches like that and their supreme ability to structure songs which will endear the band to others. Whatever, its rather fun to have them as a ‘secret’ little band that hardly anyone else in England knows about.
Completely mesmerising. Just wish there was more than 6 tracks.