The Twilight Sad Sick 7'' (FatCat, 2011)

The Twilight Sad

Sick 7''

FatCat

2011

Rating: 6 vegetarian haggis out of 10

The write-up on the label website says "Freshly inspired by the likes of Magazine, Caberet Voltaire, Fad Gadget, PiL and Can, a sound has developed that is reminiscent of Depeche Mode, Nine Inch Nails or The Cure in their imperial phases."  I dunno, it sounds like regular ol' Twilight Sad to these untrained ears. Which is totally fine with me, for the record.  

This seven inch has "Sick" on the front side and "Untitled #67 (Demo)" on the back, and apparently both of these songs are also going to be on their forthcoming full-length (the b-side in non-demo form I'd wager), so I can't imagine anyone but the most die-hard of fans are going to spring for this release.  Again, not that the songs are bad, just that the sort of person to buy a seven inch is also going to buy the record, and this doesn't offer a lot of added value.  But I am looking forward to the full length after hearing this.   

Frightened Rabbit - A Frightened Rabbit EP (FatCat, 2011)

Frightened Rabbit
A Frightened Rabbit EP
FatCat
2011

Rating: 7.5 scared hares out of 10

We can dance around it all we want, but Frightened Rabbit singer Scott Hutchison sounds a whole shitload like a Scottish version of Adam Duritz from Counting Crows. And you know, that's ok, because it's a great, emotive voice in either case - only with Rabbit the songs being sung are actually fantastic and enjoyable. This tour-only EP of three songs is short and sweet, but as good as anything else they've put out. In fact, the second song on this, "Fuck This Place", a duet with Tracyanne Campbell of Camera Obscura, is probably the best song they've ever written. And I'm only slightly flavoring that sentiment based on my love of Camera Obscura. The songs are already on the internet obviously, and I'm sure the tangible version will go for sale to the general public eventually. Well worth seeking out.

Giddy Motors - Make It Pop? (FatCat, 2002)

Giddy Motors
Make It Pop?
FatCat
2002

Rating: 7.5 headless horsebirds out of 10

Dammit, I’ve been waiting for a new band to come along whose influences are firmly entrenched in the early and mid-nineties. Enough of this electro-clash and 80’s revival bullshit, and more rock! Giddy Motors, a threesome from London, have listened to some Jesus Lizard, they’ve listened to the collective works of Steve Albini (Big Black/Shellac), they’ve listened to some Tar, and just like the rest of the bands mentioned, they’ve definitely listened to some Black Sabbath. From all of this hodge-podge comes something new and exciting instead of regurgitation. Sometimes they come at you with straight-forward rock numbers, and other times will have them infusing Minutemen-style funk or the occasional onslaught of horns into their music. If you’re looking for some quality rock music and not just the next flavor of the month, Giddy Motors may just be the band for you. Highly recommended.