Mojave 3
"Puzzles Like You" CD
4AD Records
Genre: dream pop, indie pop, folk
pop
4AD
17-19 Alma Road
London
SW18 1AA
UK
June 2006 |
In an indie scene saturated with AIDS Wolf,
Wolf Eyes, and assorted wolves and STDs that hit you like a bat
but make you dig for a decent pop hook, it's really refreshing when a
group of old masters put out a charming, fully pleasant album like
Puzzles Like You. The fun starts with
"Truck-Driving Man," a typically British pop number with a lush sound
and a predictably infectious chorus; not among Mojave 3's best,
but dreamy and uplifting nonetheless. This trend continues with
"Puzzles Like You," while pre-release single "Breaking The Ice" shows
why it was singled out with its continuously carefree, enjoyable
sound. "Big Star Baby" and its "Here Come Your Man"-ish guitar part
seems to be the record's second single, with a nice lap steel part
adding a slight country touch. The slowish "You've Said It Before" is
my pick for the record's hidden gem, with its soothing melody
glistening like a true diamond in the rough (not that Puzzles Like
You is at all rough). The same can be said about sleepy closer
"The Mutineer," which is the perfect conclusion for this disc.
Unfortunately a few of the middle tracks tend to drag a little - "Ghostship
Waiting" is breezy but bland, and "To Hold Your Tiny Toes" injects
some energy to the record but doesn't exactly stand out.
However, none of these are particularly bad, just not on par
with some of Puzzles' strongest moments. Overall, this album
sets high expectations and fulfills them excellently. Thanks once
again, guys.
87%
Matt Shimmer
[Vitals: 12 tracks, distributed by
the label,
released June 19 2006] |
