Hushdrops
"Volume One" CD
Subspace
Platform Recordings
Genres: indie pop, indie rock, pop
Subspace Platform
5543 Case Ave. #206
N. Hollywood, CA
91601
July 18 - 24 2005 |
Looking at the amateurly-printed cover, I had no idea Hushdrops'
Volume One CD would be so bloody good. This band, operating on
microlabel Subspace Platform, has recorded some of the catchiest pop
songs I've heard in awhile. Right from opener "Divine," the
emphasis is on hooks and a lively but mature style, somewhat akin to The
Auteurs, Mike G, and even some Neutral Milk Hotel
material. I recall "Emily" from a comp called Urbs In Horto
that I reviewed awhile back; its instantly lovable melody makes it
one of the disc's strongest songs, along with "Here She
Comes" and the absolutely irresistible, retro-themed "Doctor
V." Overall, there are very few songs on this disc that don't
instantly hook you - the only "uncatchy" moments are the
atmospheric elements that Hushdrops sometimes adds between
songs to give Volume One a sense of completeness, and these
interludes hardly detract from the record. The retro aspect of the
album is also worthy of mention; the band has a sixties-influenced
sound, not strong enough to paint the album one colour, but definitely
a noticeable nuance of the music.
I'd recommend Volume One to any music lover; it's rare that
such a completely enjoyable pop album comes out; when it does, you
really have to take notice.
88%
Matt Shimmer [Vitals:
14 tracks, distributed by the
label, released 2003] |