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These guys intrigue me. My first impression,
as the candy coated pop of "Feed It" flowed through
my speakers, was that "The Candyskins" were just another
cute pop band. Then smack in the middle of bar cord riffs and
pop ridden bass lines came the sound of horns. Now there's something
I haven't heard yet. A quick look at the bio and I discover that
this sweat sounding pop song was inspired by the Heaven's Gate
cult's mass suicide. In short "The Candyskins" are
not the band they seem to be. These guys really know how to put
a spin on their music.
The fact is, most of the stuff on "Death
of a Minor TV Celebrity" is Manchester style pop, spun in
a different direction by John Halliday (drums), Mark Cope (guitar/backing
vocals), Nick Cope (lead vocals/guitar), Brett Gordon (bass)
and Nick Burton (lead guitar). This self produced release marks
the Oxford, England based 'Skins third release in the U.S. Perhaps
the self-produced part can be marked as a surprise as well, since
this record is tight as hell. I would swear that a slew of other
producers had a hand in this one.
"It's a Sign" drags the Manchester
sound through a muddy, rock filled field of raucous distortion.
The title track combines an acoustic ballad with seventies style
keys that float in and out, giving the song texture and depth.
"Somewhere Under London" stands out on the record,
with thick guitar riffs and catchy bass lines, effected by echoing
syrupy keyboards that land the band in the realm of a trippy
Material Issue. "Teenage Suicide" pulls samples and
electronica keys into the mix, playing off the acoustic Oasis
sound in an interesting way.
All in all, "Death Of A Minor TV Celebrity"
is a pretty good record. Maintaining an honest, infectious songcraft,
while exploring new levels of musical invention and lyrical depth,
"The Candyskins" will definately take you by, surprise
and then they have you hooked.
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