Most often in the college-radio world, the term “pop” is given with a
derogatory sneer, and a dismissive wave of the hand. If I told you that a
song like “Hurricane Fire” had a series of “whoo-ooh-oohs” through the
bridge, it may not propel you to pay particular attention to the record.
You should pay particular attention to this record. This album, which
features Detroit-based musicians Christian Doble (Kiddo, Child Bite),
Alicia Gbur (The Nice Device, The Von Bondies) Matt Rickle (Thunderbirds
Are Now! , The Javelins) and Mike Spence (Those Transatlantics), is
pop, in a way, say that the Pixies played pop, a little loud at times
with driving guitars, a little soft at times, and with hooks all through
the album. A song like “Break It Off” begins with drums and adds bass
reminiscent of old Pixies. The guitars that follow are also influenced
with the best of 90s college radio, and come complete with harmonies
between Gbur and Doble. The vocal interplay between the two helps add
depth to this album, which, in less capable hands, could have come off
like a tribute to the 90s scene, but instead takes elements of this
sound, and makes it original. One of my favourite moments on this record
occurs in the opening minute of “Cobra On The Beach”, which has a great
driving guitar lead which dies down to allow Gbur’s vocals come to the
forefront. The chorus, with combined vocals and chiming guitars, is one
of the best examples of “pop” that have been released in a while.
There is more to this album than “pop” and vocals. The twin guitars in
a song like “Suicide” bring an almost blues-y college rock riff to the
song, and lead single “Pixels” has a twinkling guitar adding to the
slightly chugging rhythm. Bass features prominently on occasion
(particularly on “Hurricane Fire” and “Break It Off”, the latter which
would have been my choice for single), to help provide more texture to
the album. Coastlines comes across as a real collaboration, rather than
one songwriter driving the overall direction. The fact that all
members are credited on each song, adds to this sense of collaboration.
If you like the Pixies, and thought Yuck’s album last year was good, I recommend checking out this album.
https://www.facebook.com/wearefawn
There is more to this album than “pop” and vocals. The twin guitars in
a song like “Suicide” bring an almost blues-y college rock riff to the
song, and lead single “Pixels” has a twinkling guitar adding to the
slightly chugging rhythm. Bass features prominently on occasion
(particularly on “Hurricane Fire” and “Break It Off”, the latter which
would have been my choice for single), to help provide more texture to
the album. Coastlines comes across as a real collaboration, rather than
one songwriter driving the overall direction. The fact that all
members are credited on each song, adds to this sense of collaboration.https://www.facebook.com/wearefawn
Comments