Twisty indie rock for mathematicians and rockers alike

The Plastic Constellations - We Appreciate You
Posted by Laila Hanson on 05-Jun-08 @ 01:20 PM

[3/5]
In that tight little space between full-on emo and bearded, frail-guy indie rock, there have always been a handful of bands too smart for the Wentz hoodies but like anthemic chord changes a bit too much to make records with Will Oldham. Minneapolis' the Plastic Constellations are among the best of this breed in that they can inject punk energy into even the most labyrinthine guitar noodles. Songs like "Hardland/Heartland" smuggle in traces of shout choruses while still taking time to enjoy a glassy grace note. Unfortunately, when coupled with what seems to be an intentionally crummy engineering aesthetic, the guitar tone and limited-range vocals sonically grate-cranked too loud, it's like Pavement's Westing on a transistor radio wrapped in tin foil. While We Appreciate You gets a bit exhausting by the 11th song, there are enough musical ideas packed inside to make the record a few times over-"Phantom Canyon" alone would have been a lesser band's whole EP. Grind aside, though, it's a lucid and engaging ride. (FRENCHKISS) Jeff Leven

ROCKS LIKE
Les Savy Fav's Go Forth
The Dismemberment Plan's !
The Henry Clay People's Blacklist The Kid With The Red Moustache


Official Website: http://www.frenchkissrecords.com


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