Christ it’s like I’m in the mid nineties again… I’m watching Game On (with the good Matthew, not that shit one that took over after the first series), people still give a shit about Oasis and Princess Di hasn’t Di’ed yet. Also Mega City Four were still going, and as far as I can remember, I liked them. But that’s irrelevant. Here comes Ipanema, a band that includes two members of the Megas – Wiz, the singist, and Gerry Bryant, the bassist. Not something I would have known off-hand, but I thank the lord for press releases. NOW I KNOW ALL.
Anyway, this six-track EP mini-album whatever has roots firmly in the 90s indie/alternative rock camp, which is unsurprising, really. What is fairly surprising is that I don’t really like this sound. Shock – my personal tastes have moved on. Ah well. Vocals are a strong point, mind, and the haunting, laid-back melodies are a comfort through each track. It’s decidedly average tunefully, and it’s hard to pick up on anything that snaps you out of the vocal-induced serenity and makes you think “wow.” The problem is, after a while it all gets pretty dull, and after the sixth track I was glad it was over and I could get back on with my life in the hip hop and happening 21st century.
It’s really difficult to think of anything to write that isn’t horribly clichéd here, and I’ve already used my handy-dandy ‘pick your own cliché’ device, so that in itself has now become a cliché… Hmm… Postmodern reviewing – it’s the new Punktastic! But yeah, it’s alright. I just won’t be listening to it often. If ever again.
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Ian
