I don't do year end of lists. First, because I'm sure there's something I'd miss and second, because I can't afford enough new records to make an accurate judgement to begin with. Regardless, this is one of my favorites out of the few things I did pick up from this year. It's Shiner-esque power, ultra-mathy beats, and focused sound is spot-on throughout this LP. When you think it gets a bit too Radiohead-y and pretentious, the band just crashes down on drums and guitar, when you think it's going to get to 90's for you, they drop in enough electronics to keep it interesting.
Unfortunately, I think this album is going relatively unnoticed. Sure, the band appears to have the zine-famous thing down. The reviews are decent and there's always a mention of Allen Epley's Shiner work. But, I don't think it's going to be given the chance to set the world ablaze.
Truthfully, this band is now too old to be cool. Seriously, Shiner was like 20 years ago. It's like the Police in 1978 trying to fool everyone into thinking they were punk. The kids looked at them and said they were too good at their instruments to fit in. That's just as true with The Life and Times, they're too good to fit in. They're too proficient, they're too talented, and they got way too many cool tricks to be fitting in with the young, indie-rock crowd. The kids can't keep up with this, it's got dad skills (you know, the way your dad can beat you in 'HORSE' on a basketball court).
And that's probably just fine. Leave this for the Shiner fans and anybody with an open-mind. They're the ones that deserve it.
Ice Cream Eyes
No comments:
Post a Comment