The Kreepdowns

Item: Take a Spin
Author: Doug Van Pelt

Take a Spin

(1998)

Reviewed by Doug Van Pelt

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Label Bettie Rocket RecordsHM Magazine #76March 1999

dream pop modern rock post-punk

To some people, pop music can never be mundane, or simple, or too sugary sweet. Many today find their outlet in layers of guitars, vocals, and a hypnotic backbeat. Call 'em "post punk," call 'em "modern rock," or call 'em "weird." Just don't call 'em normal. Such is the groovy Kreepdowns. Mixing heavy inspirations from the songwriting of Social Distortion, the dreamy and fuzzy tones of Smashing Pumpkins and NOFX, and the Brit-pop snarl of The Sex Pistols, this band scores well on their debut. The lyrics are poetic and pieces of thoughts mostly offering commentary and emotional response to the way we treat each other here. Some of the tunes, like "Kut Me," remind me of a cross between the dreamy pop of Fold Zandura and the urgent passion of the Violet Burning. Those that purchased the band's indie release of the same title will notice that this is the same package, save for the remastering of the tune "Not Like That." This one builds upon a hollow guitar sound and a throbbing bass line that's infectious. It makes me recall the pulsating anthems of The Call, the subtle emotions of Simple Minds, and the chiming guitar tones of U2's early music. The vocals and full production yank me out of this retrospective thought, and drive the tune home. I get more out of this disc with each listen. Those who take the title seriously will probably come away happy they did.