Just rescued this one from the bin of no
return, and I'm certainly glad I did. My enthusiasm is
largely reserved for track number three of
five, a positively blissful bit of synth-pop
entitled “Buried,” which collects some of the best attributes
of the fantastic yet under-exposed 12 Rods. It boasts a
riveting vocal melody which titillates from verse to chorus,
accompanied by wistful synthesizer waves which exude a terrific
summer vibe. Also solid is “Finally Human,” which is less lush but
led by a solid electro-pop chorus to stomp along to. Meanwhile,
“Irreversible” is promising yet uncoordinated – lacking focus,
perhaps – while “Hot Nights” is exuberant and funky (and steeped in
disco falsetto) but a tad light on lasting appeal. Only generic
teenage whiner “Psycho Somatica” really untidies the bed, with its
mopey aesthetic and uncharacteristic lack of hooks. Either way, this
band is worth a look for “Buried” alone; though
the other songs, mostly above average,
providea strong supporting cast.