 The
Rutabega
"These Knotty Lines" CD
Patsy
Presents / Johann's
Face Records
Genres: indie pop, bedroom, lo-fi
Johann's Face
PO Box 479164
Chicago IL 60647
Jan 3 - 9 2005 |
The Rutabega (sic) is one of the few bands on Patsy Presents'
small roster, but their sophomore album was a co-release with
Chicago's Johann's Face label. In true indie pop tradition, These
Knotty Lines is an entertaining, melodic collection of lo-fi tunes
- while you get the feeling these songs could have come out of any
suburban garage, they have a distinct catchiness that sets them
apart. Hits like "Bay Spun Out" and
"Infected" combine emotion with solid songwriting - they
remind you of the free, infectious spirit that makes indie pop so
appealing. Meanwhile, other songs are more sincere and
emotional, like the vaguely Pedro The Lion-esque "An
Offering" and "Been." There are also a few less
satisfying tracks, like "Kiss Atlantic Goodbye" and
"Connect Four" - though they aren't terrible enough to
interrupt the record's flow. As a complete album, These Knotty
Lines is a surprisingly rewarding listen; most of these songs
have enough charm to sustain multiple listens. The Rutabega
are certainly worth a look, if you're aiming to try something new.
83%
Matt Shimmer [Vitals:
10 tracks, distributed by the
label, released 2004] |
