There's actually another level to that that makes it truly ironic.

Barely competent guitars? Lack of vocal delivery? Questionable lyrical content?

Man, there's no way an entire genre of rock based on those ingredients could sprout on both sides of the Atlantic, confound elders and inspire youth and stay relevant for more than 30 years.

Update your records Monty; Radcliffe hates anything in any way descended from punk

Actually if it's gothbilly, Rads likes it. Lots of stuff derived from punk Rads likes, I think, just not goofy stuff derived from punk, more like menacing or sleazy stuff derived from punk.

Enlighten me then.

This band sucks total ass and I can totally understand why Rads and cats would bag on it. I don't like the "amateur" argument, because honestly, lots of the bands that I really like are amateur at best when it comes to actually playing and singing. They can write good songs, however, which this band apparently cannot.

That, and the whole sound they're going for is incredibly annoying. Oh, and the vocals suck.

You act like another post by you hating on something means anything to anyone.

You increasingly act like your opinion is fact when I'd beg to differ in at least 75% of all situations.

Oh really? Increasingly?

Like where?

I'd love to get you or Radcliffe to actually say something here to back yourselves up.

this is turning out as per usual.

Surprise!!!

There's a difference between the Clash and Eater. It's not my problem if someone can't hear it.

I differentiate between inspired amateurism and mere amateurism. Some of my favorite albums are in all respects amateur, but those amateurs had an underlying talent that was undeniable.

Compensating glories. The good have 'em. The bad are just... this.

sorry drano, these guys are every local opener in cities with 20,000 population or less

I am bothered by the vocals.

me too. also, drums and guitars.

maybe bass

They have no bass player.

And I guess I should visit some cities with under 20,000 populations.

oopsie

I actually agree with this but that's what I kind of found endearing about it. There's nothing that I could pick out and say it is "good", but somewhere in all of the amateurism I felt earnestness. And I really can't say I hear that too often anymore. Occasionally, they find a melody too (albeit very occasionally).

Yeah, I wouldn't pick out any one aspect of this band that I think is particularly good, but I think it all works together as a whole. Bad lyrics, I don't particularly like the singing style, it has a vaguely "emo" feel... and yet I end up liking it.

And I take issue with the comments about amateurishness and inability to play because I feel like they play exactly the way they should. What would more polish accomplish? There aren't any obvious screw-ups on the record or on live clips I've heard. The guitars are big and messy, but that helps them have a full sound without a bass player. The drums are actually pretty strong, I think, even is this guy isn't any kind of virtuoso.

Anyway, I know that's not really anyone's issue with it. It's a stylistic thing. And the vocals and lyrics are pretty bad, but then again Sonic Youth's vocals and lyrics can be pretty bad more often than not.

i'll be seeing them live next month.

I understand what you are getting at here with it being a conscious choice stylistically, and I know that there is a whole style of indie rock that's similar to this. I really hate that style though and it does sound amateurish to me. I don't mean that with respect to their ability to play, but to their songcraft in general. The Ramones, for example, may not have had much musical talent in any traditional sense but their songs were great. This just sounds like an awful mess with terrible vocals thrown on top of it.

I might check them out since they're playing with King Kahn for Sled Island.

Like it or not, here I come!!

I'm not trying to get anyone (Rads, billyg) to 'get it'. This shit is right on me, that's all. I don't question musicianship, vocals, or anything else. This record simply delivers for me. Thats what I look for in a record these days.

have seen these guys in Vancouver over the past few years. They are good and getting better.

Their aesthetic and sound is a little limited, a little worn, and relatively disposable. They are fun, noisy, and catchy however.

That said, this album reminds me a lot of mid-nineties emo/pop. I can help but hear the Promise Ring and Braid when I listen to this.

bingo