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« on: February 28, 2011, 01:38:48 PM »
new review from mrr
I don't know a lot of muddy pop bands from New Haven, CT, so it seems these guys are filling a nice gap. "Re-commencement Speech" swiftly kicks some '80s Flying Nun feelings for those partial to the SNEAKY FEELINGS, the CLEAN, et al. These's a small, introverted and self contained world of fun shining through much of this LP: "I Am Tradition," "Silly Marvels" and the triumphant "Wille the Inventor" work on building a quaint universe like R. STEVIE MOORE did. Still, the shuffling guitars and lovably sloppy delivery will remind listeners of the carefree coastal vibes from New Zealand, gat, splat, gat snares thumping, jangly electricity and naive vocals borrow the best from that region and make something neatly their own. A great little gem, hoping to see more. (JS)
and from chuck barrels "mindless contentment" column
You know, it's funny that I'm trying to shoehorn this whole class/character thing as a segue for various records and bands in this column, because it's actually turning out to be true...Connecticut might not have the biggest scene in the country, but ESTROGEN HIGHS might have some of the biggest hearts. One of "those" bands that keep their scene alive and kicking by sheer force of will and hard work: establishing venues, running labels, bringing in out-of-town bands, being in a jillion bands... unstoppable energy and positive attitude without being self-righteous or cocky. Just doing it for the love of the game. These fine young gentleman have just self released the tellingly titled "Friends and Relatives," their sophomore LP, and it's a further extension of their already admirable and unassuming workmanlike aesthetic. These fellas aren't all about singeing your eyebrows with velocity and doubling you over with sludge and scuzz; they're about crafting a really personable and subliminally catchy batch of no-frills and low-fidelity garage rock. Understated is a word that I've often used to describe them in the past, and I just used it again. Deceptively hooky and almost quietly rocking, this LP is full of soulful introspection and songs that feel more alive in their subdued tempos than any 100mph punk band does. No showing off here, just a talented group of kids going out there every day, doing their job and mowing them down. Paste-on sleeves give it a little extra homestyle flair. Future Hall of Famers, these youngsters.
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