MIKE BARON REVIEWS
SPYGENIUS: The Comforting Suture (Whammo)
This British quartet plays vibrant minor key rockers inspired by classic sixties Brit bands such as Fairport Convention, the Move, the Beau Brummels and yes, the Beatles. They also sound similar to the under-appreciated Velvet Elvis whose 1988 record was produced by Mitch Easter.
The spy movie goof “Spygenius” leads into “Furniture Boats” which sounds a little like Fairport Convention and Knots & Crosses. Spygenius’ two guitars perform intricate tight maneuvers on “Kevin,” like two Blue Angels playing leap frog. “Here We Go Again” has madrigal-like boy/girl vocals and the slow churn of a steamship. “All My Skeletons” is churning Brit rock with gorgeous chords, somewhere between Beau Brummels and Beatles. “California Sunshine” is a Byrds-like song with a rainbow bridge. The McCartney-esque “The Void” is an acoustic whistling past the graveyard charmer about the afterlife.
“K Is Mentally Ill,” another chiming power popper about a serious subject has a Chad & Jeremy feel to it, with boy/girl vocals. Spygenius sings insouciantly about serious subjects.
Four stars.
TRUE HEARTS (Kool Kat)
Reissue of the year. This Houston-based quartet recorded the album in 1980 and what an album it is. Joyous fist-pumping power pop that draws from both Raspberries and Rick Derringer, as fleet and elegant as origami.j “Not Tonight” is soooo Raspberries, with Manuel Martinez’ sinuous and arresting guitar solo. “Talkin’ Bout Girls” will satisfy fans of both Derringer and Cheap Trick, although it’s a little warmer than either of those bands. “If I’m Late” features an epic intro worthy of Bryan Scary. “Trust Me” features Who-like power chords. “God’s Gift” will earn you a speeding ticket and “Hold Me Close/Don’t Stop” sweeps you away like a riptide.
Five stars.
THE BOTTLE KIDS: Cans Only
Twelve shots of Amyl Nitrate in the spirit of The Clash, Green Day, The Cry!, the Buzzcocks and the Elvis Brothers. If you like your rock fast, hot and sweet, you will like this. Starting with the galvanizing “Kissing You” the Bottle Kids never let up. There’s a Plimsoul vibe to much of this material, particularly “Such a Thrill” and “Yes You Can.” “Every Single Teardrop” has a Twilley feel only the vocals are better recorded.
“Take Off That Dress” sounds like a Bill Lloyd comp recorded in Tulsa. “Where Is Sara Tonight” flaunts Who-like power chords. Only “I’m In Love With You” softens the sound a little in a James Taylor way, and “Clap On,” is the theme song to a Sandra Dee/Frankie Avalon movie.
Four and a half stars.
