Vancouver, BC's Panurge write smart songs, in the tradition of artists like Folk Implosion, Beck, and Apples in Stereo, that straddle pop, dub, funk, folk, and electronica (but without the surf influence, in the case of Apples). Forgive the cliche, but their unique character lies more in what they do not do, than in what they do. There are very few cliches or gaffs in their songs. It is not that they have reinvented anything, which I truly doubt they are attempting, but that they are just trying to make songs based on tried and true fundamentals of song writing, while injecting their own voice. For instance, you will find a perfectly utilized acoustic guitar in "Listen to Your Own" that meshes with electric bass lines, tambourine, strategic dub, and who knows what else. Ingeniously, the song builds up to a whacked out fuzz digression that is interrupted before meltdown with a return to the primary melody. And there are many more examples of sonic experimentation on their LP, Erectangle, that work when they probably shouldn't; or more accurately – when they usually don't by others. It really boils down to tact and the understanding of what cannot be compromised simply for effect and (gratuitous) displays of eccentricity. They do not undercut their melodies. They augment them. They do not show contempt for their listeners. They show a desire to challenge them, while still giving them the friendly grooves they want. More info and downloads on the World Wide Web at www.panurge.net.
