Hermit Crabs - Feel Good Factor EP

by Sarah Rowland

published: 25 / 1 / 2007

Label: Matinee Recordings
Format: CDS

intro

Unappealing indiepop on debut EP from new Glasgow-based group, the Hermit Crabs

The Hermit Crabs are a band from Glasgow but you would never know it listening to them and in my book that’s no good thing. The thing I like most about good Scottish bands are the accented vocals and sense of humour you only get from people who get to see sunny weather only once or twice a year. The Hermit Crabs however don’t really seem to have a sense of humour and. although their music isn’t bad, it just sounds like an inferior version of Belle and Sebastian without having much of a personality of it’s own. I did try to like the 'Feel Good Factor' EP as there isn’t really anything in particular to dislike, but that is the problem, nothing stands out strongly enough to provoke an opinion. There is a strong string bridge on ‘I Spend My Time’ which hints at something sinister below the surface, but unfortunately it’s over before it has begun. For an EP titled ‘Feel Good Factor’ you expect a bit of an oomph but all you get with the Hermit Crabs is a bit of a yawn. It might be worth looking out for future releases just to see if that sinister side manages to raise its head long enough to make an impression but until then the Hermit Crabs need to be left alone.

Track Listing:-

1 Feel Good Factor
2 China Girl
3 Vegan Vows
4 I Spend My Time

Band Links:-

https://www.facebook.com/The-Hermit-Crabs-385510651554121/
http://thehermitcrabs.wix.com/thehermitcrabs
https://twitter.com/thehermitcrabs
https://www.facebook.com/baffinisland

Label Links:-

http://matineerecordings.com/
https://www.facebook.com/matineerecordings

interviews

Interview (2008)

Glaswegian indie pop group the Hermit Crabs released their debut album, 'Saw You Dancing', on Matinee Records last year. Dixie Ernill speaks to guitarist John Ferguson and vocalist Melanie Whittle about how they write their songs, the album and their plans for the future