Little Fish - Baffled and Beat

by Lisa Torem

published: 12 / 8 / 2010

Label: Universal Music
Format: CD

Emotive garage rock which takes a raw, but often comical look at life on debut album from Oxfordshire duo, Little Fish

Review

“Life is naked without the one that you want. World of paranoia. It all gives you Whiplash,” says Little Fish vocalist JuJu. That phrase refers to the UK group’s new single and one of the cuts on their debut CD, ‘Baffled and Beat’. LA Producer Linda Perry was enthralled when first introduced to their distinct visceral energy and arranged for their debut recording and touring. Their lively schedule has brought them in contact with Juliette Lewis, Them Crooked Vultures and Blondie. Much of what you hear on the album was recorded live and that electricity is evidenced in many of the twelve selections. ‘Darling, Dear’ starts things off with a frenetic bang and the more stark guitar and vocals follow when JuJu exhorts innermost feelings, rising like a salacious siren. A slight suggestion of a Hammond B3 organ burrows in the background. Then, the thrashy spiral of ‘Am I Crazy’ out against a descending progression makes JuJu’s voice even more hellishly cathartic. “I didn’t plan to fall in love with you,” is the phrase which streams against uncanny backing vocals. The unlikely theme for such a pretty and passionate melody is entitled ‘Heroin Dance.’ The sad commentary keeps on coming; “Who’s gonna give me salvation?/Before I sleep, you turn your back on me/You raise your hand against my cheek.” ‘Sweat N Shiver' asks, “Why does misery love company?” Both pop and punk-injected, and with an emphasis on repetitious exclamation and the random sha-la-las, we find ourselves reflecting on phrases like: “Chewing on a mattress/screaming at a wall.” ‘Baffled and Beat’ is oddly configured and contagiously rhythmic and as fun as skipping rope on a balmy day. ‘You Me and the TV’ begins, “She’s a gin-soaked heroine in worn-out shoes.” It’s a clever predecessor to ‘Die Young’ which heralds charming rock n roll vibes. We then hear ‘Luck Runs Out’ which is surprisingly melodic and tranquil, given the geographical location of the other tunes, but as JuJu moans: “I lost my way,” you’ll find the deep emotional content captivating. ‘Whiplash’ the formerly mentioned single is scratchy, exciting and invigorating. It rattles the nerves with sonic steroids. ‘Hallelujah’s’ stark and skeletal intro. gives way to meatier satisfaction. The album ends with ‘Sorry State’ another bittersweet, moving ballad. All in all, ‘Baffled and Beat’ is a welcoming escape from the superficialities of life as Little Fish explore loneliness and evaporated dreams; they allow us to also extract solace and amusement...

Track Listing:-

1 Darling Dear
2 Bang Bang
3 Am I Crazy?
4 Heroin Dance
5 Sweat N Shiver
6 Baffled And Beat
7 You, Me And The TV
8 Die Young
9 Luck's Run Out
10 Whiplash
11 Hallelujah
12 Sorry State