Honestly, I just can't see why everyone is so hung up on the Nineties all of a sudden.
Any decade where Pat Sharp and some twins are seen as appropriate children's television can be tossed into the dustbin of history if you ask me. Yet despite my advice, more and more groups are switching on their fuzz pedals and rocking out like it was 1991 all over again.
Responsible for the first wave of deodorant dodging grunge types, J Mascis has responded by unplugging his guitar - the grouch that he is. Releasing a new acoustic album, the Dinosaur Jr kingpin is among the artists rated in the latest ClashMusic singles round up.
Elsewhere, Oxford newcomers Trophy Wife continue to impress while Chilly Gonzales returns with some bonkers disco-house. However it's a chap from Wolverhampton of all places who impresses the most...
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Single Of The Week
Bibio - Excuses
Dogged with labels – folktronica, hypnagogic pop – Bibio has at times struggled to find his own identity. 2009’s ‘Ambivalence Avenue’ was a breakthrough, hinting at an emerging pop sensibility. Returning with a new album, the first glimpse from said ling player is ‘Excuses’. A far from straight-forward return, the track is nonetheless one of Bibio’s finest achievements to date. The production is impeccable, matching a mournful opening passage to a glitchy, kaleidoscopic climax. Yet the two moods interweave effortlessly, with Bibio really seeming to find his stride. Another step forwards for the producer, ‘Excuses’ is the sound of Bibio coming into his own.
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And the rest...
Trophy Wife – The Quiet Earth
After the chaotic press scramble caused by their debut single ‘Microlite’ Trophy Wife were always going to struggle with a follow up. The Oxford band’s latest cut ‘The Quiet Earth’ is nowhere near as immediate as their debut, but it’s soundscapes are just as impressive. Swapping their pop touch for something deeper, ‘The Quiet Earth’ replaces immediacy with a rather more mature approach which hints at great things from their approaching full length.
Chilly Gonzales – You Can Dance
The ever-buoyant Chilly Gonzales returns with another blast of disco pop. Splitting opinions last year, Chilly Gonzales can at times seem throwaway. However there’s nothing wrong with a little bit of good humour from time to time, especially is its done with a charming wink and a nod. ‘You Can Dance’ will never win over the detractors, but with the Spring sun coming out its perhaps time to drop a few of those reservations and get a little Chilly into your life.
Pangaea – Inna Daze / Won’t Hurt
Perhaps best known as the co-owner of Hessle Audio, Pangaea has been responsible for some deeply soulful dubstep cuts. The Gladys Knight sampling ‘Memories’ made his name, before last year’s double pack established him as one of the finest young producers around. Opening 2011 with a new twelve inch, ‘Inna Daze / Won’t Hurt’ demonstrate two different sides to his persona. Ever flexible, no matter how lairy he gets there is always an innate sense of melancholy to draw you in further.
Dutch Uncles – Face In
Now signed to Memphis Industries, Dutch Uncles have become more focussed. The Manchester band’s cerebral indie remains, but there is a growing subtlety. ‘Face In’ is far from the most the immediate thing the band has put their name to, but the track’s glorious sonics still impress. Repeated listens reveal traces of post-punk beneath the shimmering guitars, raising hopes ever higher for their forthcoming debut album proper.
J Mascis – Not Enough
The fuss over J Mascis turning acoustic just demonstrates the esteem in which he is held. It also demonstrates his contrary streak, with the grunge pioneer reaching for his twelve string the minute young hipsters start donning plaid shirts and switching on their fuzz pedal. ‘Not Enough’ is as you would expect, with Mascis’ drawl to the fore. By his standards hardly reaching for the stars, this is nonetheless perfect slacker fare. Except unplugged, y’all.
Manic Street Preachers – Postcards From A Young Man
Missing out on a Top 40 placing with ‘Some Kind Of Nothingness’ Manic Street Preachers ended a stunning run of hit singles. Release after release broke into the charts, forcing some bizarre pop culture moments – ‘Faster’ anyone? The title track of their epic, reinvigorated set ‘Postcards From A Young Man’ is as good a point as any to begin a new run of hit singles. Not drowning but waving.