published: 8 /
5 /
2002
Label:
Stupid Cat
Format: CD
"Intoxicating mix of innocence, joy and bitterness" from Newcastle's Spraydog on their third album 'Mint Hand'
Review
Armed with only a distortion pedal and a truckload of dulcet harmony, Newcastle's Spraydog return to the indie battlefield with their most complete offering yet. Since the last album line-up changes have seen the introduction of Maria and James on vocals and writing duties, and have given the band an additional edge.
Its hard for me to say whether unrequited love for inanimate objects or a memory you never had is a good thing or just a twisted habit that I should try and shake, but 'Mint Hand' is pretty much the soundtrack to it. The guitars ring out an intoxicating mix of innocence, joy and bitterness, while the vocals and lyrics recall every hazy summer night spent hoping for the touch of someone's hand in yours. And okay I admit it, they wear their influences and their hearts on their sleeves , but so what ?- To sound this cock sure and fragile at the same time, without sounding contrived and mannered is reason enough to break out of your anorak and to love it all the more.
Before I lose all trace of reason, a quick side note to the band ! Isn't (in the great book of rock guidelines) the third album supposed to be the difficult one?
Track Listing:-
1
You Are What I Love
2
Cal Neva
3
Peardrops
4
Asprin
5
By The Tide
6
Summer's Waiting
7
Girls Know Girls
8
Last Paragraph
9
Like Me
10
Don't Remember
11
No Ones Home
12
Free To Disagree
13
Urgent
14
These Fields May Take Forever To Fill