Not very few bands can create an whole album of riveting tracks that can keep a listener entertained. Seattle's dynamic Pretty Girls Make Graves keep it riveting 100% the whole way through on their newest album entitled "New Romance," produced by Phil Ek (Modest Mouse, Built To Spill).
The Album begins with "Something Bigger, Something Brighter," with a giddy up intricate tapping of drum sticks by drummer Nick Dewitt, as needling guitars mesh into the mix then explodes into a Farraginous cauldren of sounds with edgy keys solid bass and even some hand clapping. Vocalist Andrea Zollo calmly speaks "Close my eyes and swallow, figure out that I am not blind or broken eared, just need to disappear (to get out of here)." and as the song burst into force she calmy screams " Make it Electric, I've got to know I'm still Alive."This track is better than most albums out today.
"The Grandfather Wolf," is next, also a great track. It starts off abrasive with a thumping bass line by Derek (ex-Murder City Devils) which transitions into a calm ending with a simple bass line accompanied by a delicate piano line by J Clark, as Zollo beautifully sings "You aren't the one who fascinate us."
"Mr. Club," begins with an eighties disco beat with some sample keys and low tech drums as an interlude to "All Medicated Geniuses" which Derek co-sings on this edgy rocking hit. "Blue Lights" is a stand out track. It starts out with a flanged bass as Andre sings "Hello I'm Neurotic, creating problems that don't exist." The song slowly builds with static noises and light drum tinkering and guitar feedback. "This Is Our Emergency" is another single which sizzles and burns with urgency. Ending the show is "A Certain Cemetery," which has a guitar and keyboard shuffle and some intricate percussion holding this mellow angst filled track together.
Pretty Girls Make Graves keep it real with the use of guitar and keyboards keeping the dynamics flowing on "New Romance." Another great band on the Matador roster. |