You never really think of New Orleans as a hotbed of Intelligent Angular Indie, but duo Nick Corson and Duncan Troast have fashioned up an album that reminds you of the best of that genre at times. I'm thinking of the likes of early XTC, The Sugarplastic, Franz Ferdinand et al.
The arrangements are incredibly unexpected and inventive, so unusual that they can tread into the footsteps of Elephant Talk King Crimson or melodic post punk. Dominated by exceptional hypnotic riffs that mesmerise at times without ever losing sight of the song.
This is in an area that we were noted for in the Anything Should Happen days, less so on IDHAS, but that may because so few attempt this at the moment, so when they do, it sounds very special indeed and Like Cartoon Vampires certainly excited.
Riffs suddenly change direction or unexpected diversions join in, the whole album is inspired and a cracking listen for those who appreciate more than crashing chords. There are reminders of others too, Pray'r sounds very latter day Radiohead for instance.
Cafe Style is a short 2 minute instrumental that gets a little Psych, but is prime time Drums And Wires. Western Pepsi Cola Town even gets close to a Guitar Pop song, adding unexpected pace, sounding like a more expansive version of The Strokes. Vanity Shapes is wonderfully melodic and restrained.
The Convenience may have saved the best until last. Surrounded by a selection of shorter songs, they come up with a sprawling 10 and a half minutes on Fake The Feeling which is an absolute Prog masterpiece, astounding considering what it accompanies here and a perfect way to end a splendid album.
You can listen to and buy the album here. It is available, on Vinyl, CD, Cassette and as a download.
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