Labels: Say 10 Records
Review by: Samuel Fowler
I have fliers on my wall for many of the gigs I’ve been to. There’s
one for Dirty Tactics up there, which seems to imply I saw them once.
That I cannot remember this is not the most convincing ringing
initial endorsement.
Dirty Tactics are yet another star in Dillinger Fours swirling
overlarge constellation. Most of these stars are stunted brown and
white dwarves that either never took off in the first place, or long
faded years ago. Even Dillinger Fours star is on the wane. First time
I listened to this album I could barely restrain a sigh of
resignation. I got a handful of tracks in, before rolling my eyes, and
quietly pressing eject. Maybe leave for a better mood.
So being in a better mood, what about it? Suprisingly considering the
provenance, Dirty Tactics actually have a few really good things going
for them. This relesase is really diverse- they mess around with all
sorts of different influences- particularly a few Spanish style
acoustic-y bits, and one song that slounds almost like take on an
Irish folk ballad. The constant almost playful approach to this album,
backed up with attention in ensuring the songs are (mostly)
distinctive from eachother is really neat. This isn’t to say the album
is without flaw, the first track in particular isn’t that great-
possibly the initial reason for being mislead..
I made it all the way throught the album a handful of times when I was
reviewing this, and was still enjoying it when I was done. The track
“Highway Robbery” is a real melancholic highlight, Dirty Tactics are
at their best when they pander to this edge. They aren’t quite the
Ringers, but then who is?