It’s an EP. iTunes says it is metal. It is not. “So Long” is the first track, and it sounds like newer Social Distortion with a woman singing. Pretty straightforward rock, if you ask me. Two-thirds of the band is named “Sarah,” so there’s a lot of heart-string pulling going on for me, but I shall survive and emerge victorious from what is obviously just a coincidence anyway. That said, would it not be rad if they toured with Sick of Sarah? Oh yes.
“Pretty Girl” sounds like Kelley Deal is singing. Pass the Zima. The record says “Death Treat,” but iTunes says “Death Threat.” I think the former would be more fun, but it seems more likely that iTunes got this one right. The song itself is very structured. It seems easier to play than the others. It doesn’t necessarily need to be blurrier anyway.
The last track is “Eating Hourglasses.” Fun for fans of reverb, it leaves me wanting more. I am pretty excited about Is/Is’s potential.
Archive for April 2011
Is/Is “This Happening”
April 3, 2011Prints of China “False Fronts”
April 3, 2011It’s an EP. “Empty Vessels” has “EP” and “MT” in the first word, which is some sort of pun, I guess, although a pure coincidence. It was recorded at Fastback Studios in Seattle. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to find that association. I do like Fastbacks better, but whatever. At least Prints of China are better than Visqueen.
The title track is good stuff. It makes me think of old 10,000 Maniacs. The guitar has a nice power pop feel. “Power Heavy” has an ’80s near-gothic sound, although it’s not depressing, just, um, power heavy.
“No Shame” blew right by, and “Fluff and Fold” is not a Square One TV reference. It’s another one for power pop fans.
Puro Instinct “Headbangers in Ecstasy”
April 3, 2011It’s like I’m in college again. Little bits of Stereolab and Cocteau Twins abound, with maybe some Club 8 and Ivy thrown in for good measure. It’s a little more Splenda and a little less sugar, though. I love synthy dreampop, but this might be just a little too over the top. Soft Cotton County could teach them a thing or two on “Everybody’s Sick.” The lead singer sounds like a distorted Siouxsie Sioux, but why they are distorting her voice in the mix is beyond me. Is it still irony if I don’t get it? (Of course it is.)
“Silky Eyes” is more percussive, like Book of Love. Musically, this is pretty good. Those looking for the ’80s sound can look no further than “Stilyagi.” The song definitely has a shoulder pad feel to it. The singing is a little better here as well, and the samples are a nice touch. Not as good as Sing-Sing but close.
Popcorn synth lovers (think “Close to You” by the Cure) will enjoy “No Mames.” The lyrics are more Siouxsie-like again here, although the guitar stands out in a disruptive way. Something about the neck.
I was excited about “California Shakedown” because I was hoping it would be about earthquakes. I can’t tell what the lyrics are about because I suck at that stuff, but the vocal quality is definitely a lot better. It finally comes together for Puro Instinct on Track 13!
“Luv Goon” rounds out a somewhat disappointing record. My expectations are always really high with dreampop stuff, but poor production values, intentional or otherwise, serve only to depress my idealistic desires.
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