Sally
Self-titled CD
Paribus
Records
Genres: indie rock, "shoegazer-punk"
Mar 14 - 20 2005 |
Where has Sally been all this time? Seriously. This
CD is a very refreshing taste of modern indie rock, combining a
working knowledge of the genre's beginnings with its own inventive
style. The band defines their style as "shoegazer-punk,"
but more than anything this record is rock, borrowing from sources
like Catherine Wheel, Atombombpocketknife, and Nirvana.
There is a bleak overall feel to the songs, but a simple accessibility
keeps them from feeling dead or dull.
Some of the better songs on this album are the quiet, toned-down
ones - "Sedate Me" and "Racquetball" are notably
strong compositions, both sharing a somehow maudlin atmosphere.
On the more energetic rock front, one can't afford to skip "Very
Biased Noses" or "Silver, Or Grey", two extremely
infectious (albeit dark) songs. They both share a certain quality
with Catherine Wheel's bleaker material. The processed
vocals sound very ABPK-esque, which really works here - though
it can be an overused effect.
Bleak, angst-ridden indie rock is particularly accessible to the
masses - it has a bemoaning nature that will appeal to teenagers and a
hip sound that will impress hipsters as well. While this may have
been more at home in the mid-90s, its dark message (and irresistible
catchiness) should also ring true in this day and age.
86%
Fun Fact: Read Sally's biography.
Seriously.
Matt Shimmer [Vitals:
12 tracks, distributed by the
band, released 2004] |