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Bottom of the Hill August 9th, 2001 Review by Squid When Kathy w/K strongly advocates someone the way she did Ted Leo, we know it's a sure bet. Formerly the front man of bands like Citizens Arrest and Chisel, Leo is now best known for his electrified one man show. Rounding out his energetic sound with help from his touring band, the Pharmacists, he reminded Squid of Billy Bragg with his full-throttle guitar playing and frequently political lyrics. If Billy Bragg had been on Homestead Records back in the day, that is. Daz was thinking along similar lines and wisely likened him to another solo powerhouse, John Darnielle. Leo's new release, "The Tyranny of Distance" is dense well-penned pop that at times sounds like outtakes from Squeeze's "East Side Story" with its clever hooks and sweet tenor vocals. The album's title, incidentally, is taken from a line in the Split Enz song, 'Six Months in a Leaky Boat'. Split Enz and Squeeze references all in one night? Heaven! Juno employed cascading guitar layers that to sound like Jim Yoshii Pile-Up at a faster clip. They sounded best during the instrumental pieces that reminded Daz of Rodan/June of 44 and Squid of Tarentel. When it comes to The Quails...where the hell have we been?! This trio made us think of Erase Errata with their early 80's DIY art rock sound. But where as EE head into no wave territory, The Quails opted for an Ex-like punk where each instrument had a distinct clang and thump of its own. Shrieked lyrics from guitarist Jen Smith and sultry rumbling from drummer Julianna Bright turned us into instant fans. Nothing makes us happier than finding out about more good local bands. Check out their album, "We Are the Quails". ©2001 playinginfog.com |