THE (EC) NUDES

Before I begin this review properly, I feel obliged to point out that this album comes with a level 4 Accordion Warning. Those with a severe aversion to accordions and their tendency to add a sea shanty/French café ambience to any given song should best steer clear of this album.

So, with that out of the way, let's get down to details. The line-up on this album consists of Amy Denio on bass, sax, accordion and vocals, Wadi Gysi on guitars and Christ Cutler (most likely a familiar name to anyone finds themselves reading this review) - on drums plus radio and electrics.

This provides a good instrumental palate for some quirky avant-rock shenanigans, which is exactly what we get on this album. The tone throughout is pretty light and straight-forward, especially bearing in mind the involvement of Cutler (not to mention fifth (EC) Nude Bob Drake, who mixed the album). Dissonance and challenging harmonies are certainly present on this album, but far less than one might expect. The focus here is on quirky melodies and tight arrangements not full-blown, mind-shattering avant-garde compositions.

The stand-out member of the group is undoubtedly Amy Denio, whose voice punches through every song it appears on with real conviction and gusto. Her sax and afore-mentioned accordion work is also very strong here, and provides many of the albums highlights.

Sadly, the aforementioned highlights are somewhat sparse. There's some great fun to be had on tracks like "It Might Be Better" and, my personal favourite, "Radio". But overall the album seems to drift along, despite its often frantic pace and sense of urgency. The melodies are well-composed and occasionally a bit poppy, but few of them are particularly memorable which is, in my opinion, a substantial failing for any album, regardless of genre.

Nonetheless, I'd happily recommend this album to those who enjoy the rockier side of avant-prog, as there's plenty to enjoy here if you like that sort of thing. Just don't expect any ear-rattling blasts of dissonant RIO, or you may find yourself feeling somewhat disappointed.