Shocking Pinks - Shocking Pinks
Artist:
Shocking Pinks
Release Date: 17/09/07
Label: DFA/EMI
Rating:
At seventeen tracks, Shocking Pinks' self-titled debut is an ambitious and generous debut. Aside from the opening track, which is little more than reverberation and fuzzy noise, all remaining sixteen tracks are songs proper. The music on offer here ranges from introspective, almost inaccessible songs to punkier, and at times overly repetitive indie rock.
'This Aching Deal' showcases Shocking Pinks' (otherwise known as Nick Harte) talent for endearingly sweet pop, though his vocals are barely audible over the drums. 'How Am I Not Myself' is a sombre affair, its melody exposing the deep sadness at the heart of the song. It's not all glum though. 'End Of The World' is a more rounded offering, with a slight 'Editors' feel about it, it's appealing, whilst retaining the artist's inherent originality.
Problems, however, abound, and they are intrinsically linked. There's an overload of ideas in places ('Smokescreen') and in others dull repetition ('Victims'). There is also the paradox of Harte's vocals; whereas in places they suit his style, in others they negate from any potential appeal. 'Girl On The Northern Line' is held back by weak and tuneless vocals, it is fragile and really rather wonderful but the song demands a better vocal.
Earnest, original and quirky there is much on offer, but overall the album just isn't interesting enough to hold the listener's attention. Some fine moments to witness, but perhaps less is more next time.
Stuart McCaighy
Shocking Pinks MySpace
Release Date: 17/09/07
Label: DFA/EMI
Rating:
At seventeen tracks, Shocking Pinks' self-titled debut is an ambitious and generous debut. Aside from the opening track, which is little more than reverberation and fuzzy noise, all remaining sixteen tracks are songs proper. The music on offer here ranges from introspective, almost inaccessible songs to punkier, and at times overly repetitive indie rock.
'This Aching Deal' showcases Shocking Pinks' (otherwise known as Nick Harte) talent for endearingly sweet pop, though his vocals are barely audible over the drums. 'How Am I Not Myself' is a sombre affair, its melody exposing the deep sadness at the heart of the song. It's not all glum though. 'End Of The World' is a more rounded offering, with a slight 'Editors' feel about it, it's appealing, whilst retaining the artist's inherent originality.
Problems, however, abound, and they are intrinsically linked. There's an overload of ideas in places ('Smokescreen') and in others dull repetition ('Victims'). There is also the paradox of Harte's vocals; whereas in places they suit his style, in others they negate from any potential appeal. 'Girl On The Northern Line' is held back by weak and tuneless vocals, it is fragile and really rather wonderful but the song demands a better vocal.
Earnest, original and quirky there is much on offer, but overall the album just isn't interesting enough to hold the listener's attention. Some fine moments to witness, but perhaps less is more next time.
Stuart McCaighy
Shocking Pinks MySpace
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