steering clear of the mainstream
since 2001

june 2010

review
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info opinion

Superman Curl

Self-titled CDEP

self-released

Genre: punk-pop, garage rock

Jan 2009

Superman Curl play competent punk-pop/garage-rock material adorned with a sufficient concentration of hooks to get you humming along, although nothing on this EP is exceptionally memorable. These folks have been playing together for a long time now – in fact, they were voted one of the best new bands of 1995 by City Pages. As a result, they know how to write a decent song, and their energy and technical skills are predictably solid. With regards to this release, energetic “Dressed to the Nines” and romp-tastic “All Across the Nation” are particularly potent examples of the band's formula. Meanwhile, the slower “Lovin' Man” provides a welcome melodic break to all the feist. Throughout these five tracks, the singer seems really into the proceedings, which makes it easy to buy into what the band's preaching. As well, the production is strong, capturing the group's energy as well as their more subtle details – the tinny organ chimes on “Best Day,” for example. Superman Curl's EP won't win accolades for its originality, but it plays its part well no less. Pop this on at a party and it's certain to liven things up.

74%

Matt Shimmer

[Vitals: 5 tracks, distributed by the band, released Oct 18, 2008]