Bad Sav - Bad Sav

by Dave Goodwin

published: 3 / 11 / 2018

Label: Fishrider Records
Format: CD

Addictive alternative rock from Dunedin trio Bad Sav, which is the other band of Death and the Maiden's Lucinda King and Hope Robertson

Review

This release comes via the wonderful people at Fishrider Records in Dunedin in New Zealand, who recently released the brilliant 'Wisteria' from Death and the Maiden. The connection extends beyond just that though. It so happens that Lucinda King and Hope Robertson, who are both with Death and the Maiden, also appear on this album, another sonic treat, under the guise of Bad Sav, which also consists of Shifting Sands drummer Mike McLoed. Bad Sav is sort of the sound of the band before they became Death and the Maiden. Again, like 'Wisteria; it is a shoegaze, psychedelic, noise-rock kind of record, the type that Dunedin exports so well. It kicks off with 'Parker', which signifies the intent of the record although it is not as 'noise'-oriented as the PR sheet depicts. It is quite melodic with some cracking guitar and meandering vocals, whereas 'Dinner Man' is a slower instrumental affair with some weird cat-like yelps mixed up to good effect. 'Buy Something New' has about the same beat as the last and has King's unmistakeable and charming vocals running throughout it. 'Labradoodle' is a little faster with some great Cure-like guitar.'Pets' also starts with a slower Cure-like sound mixed up with an element of the Cocteau Twins. The second half of this wonderful little package is just as compelling as the first and sports another instrumental in 'TV Theme Tune'. 'Twighlight Zone' kicks in like a Six by Seven track and 'Driest Dust', another instrumental, is a little poppier with an infectious guitar line running throughout. 'Seven in a Eow' is just sublime and has those Death and the Maiden sounds cutting their way through the jangling guitar. The whole treat is finished off with 'Hen's Teeth,' which is probably the poppiest track on the record. It comes in an attractive card sleeve complete with an inner sleeve which sports some fine artwork by Motoko Kikawa and the credits. All in all this is addictive Dunedin fineness at it best with sprinkles on top. Bloody marvellous!