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GUFF
THE GUFF IS A DISASTER EP
GO KART
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Is it just me or is there a serious drop off in sound quality between tracks
one and two? Sorta lends an ol' school charm to track two, "Turbulence,"
which like the first, is loaded on caffeine-laced power picking and nervous
melodies.If there were such a thing as "speed-pop" these guys
might stake the claim, but such as things are, they're definitely a punk
band bent on blinding speed, carefully laid melodies, the mile wide chorus
and graduate school lyric. |
| "Faith"
let's up the throttle a might and takes a turn for the commercial recesses
of the power-pop ethos, making for a great sing-along, particularly for
those of a self-deprecating variety. There's an emotional, lamentive quality
to the songs that patches 'em right there with bands like Ozma, The Arrivals,
or Taking Back Sunday, along with a speed and substance collision in a conscientious
bout with self-deprecation and piercing-eye philosophy. "Scars Are
Tough Too" brings up the rear--hard choice--but hard to discount those
plosive riffs and drum fills, it's just the tune free-rides either of the
first two and exits quickly; "M-98" is similar to "Faith"
and single-quality material that's more reliant on the melody and groove.
First heard these guys on Go Kart's previous "Vs. The Corporate Giant
Vol. 3" comp and they were a definite standout. Lotsa guitar playing,
plenty o' harmonizing, endless philosophizing, and an apparent danger to
themselves, that sells the drama with a wink, smile and sting for both ears.
If you dig emotive punk stuff with a pop twist and split sly and serious
persona, Guff's supercharged five-song EP will feed your need. Look for
their new full length sometime this spring or at least after they've secured
enough adult supervision. |
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