The Natural History
The Natural History
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The Natural History
The Natural History
Startime International, 2002
RiYL: Elvis Costello, Gang Of Four, Spoon |
Being a New York-based garage-pop combo that evokes the gritty sound of '70s post-punk would seem to put a band on the fast-track to "a buzz" these days, yet it's just as likely to sweep a young group under rock's proverbial rug once the eye of public fascination moves on from the Strokes, the Walkmen, Radio 4, and the rest of their in-vogue ilk.
But whatever the Natural History's fate, the five songs on this self-titled EP are a promising opening volley from the intrepid trio. Vocalist/guitarist Max Tepper's raw, shambling bursts of energy ride the frantic shuffle of brother Julian's bass and Derek Vockins' drums with a focused fury, creating a sound akin to that of the determined young Elvis Costello in his early days with the Attractions.
Opener "Telling Lies Will Get You No Where" is jagged, based on Max's pointed guitar riff and loud drums, while the somewhat more subdued "So He'll Say" brings the group's poppier tendencies to the forefront. "The Right Hand" does the best job on the record in combining the two, pounding a simplistic but memorable lick into your head along the way.
The group's approach doesn't vary considerably over the course of the EP's five tracks, but that seems only natural for such a concise debut. The disc ends on a memorable note, cooing vocals seeing "Broken Language" through to its conclusion and fueling anticipation for a full-length.
TROY CARPENTER | Troy Carpenter founded NATN from a Chicago apartment during the ambitious winter of 1998 with co-conspirators Ben French and Jonathan Cohen. After a five-year stint in New York, he and wife Lourdes have recently relocated to Indianapolis, where he spends days listening to music and nights in the kitchen at Elements restaurant. Musical heroes: Jimi Hendrix, Bob Marley, Super Furry Animals. What else makes life worth living: Sushi, Phucty, runs in the park, and the Atlanta Braves.