Artist bio

Those of you lucky enough to own any of Built to Spill's three most recent recordings should not rush into buying Ultimate Alternative Wavers, the group's so-so full-length debut. Chances are you already enjoy the best of the band's quirky, well-defined style. And you are already getting the finest presentation of frontman Doug Martsh's endearing whine and well-constucted lo-fi odysseys.

Though Wavers has a few outstanding moments, its overall feel is really muddled. Martsch is clearly just beginning to tap into his own potential and the array of backing musicians are not entirely successful at pulling off each song's epic nature.

Maybe try borrowing the CD from your buddy to copy one of its three high points: "Nowhere Nothing Fuck-Up," "Get a Life" and "Built Too Long Parts 1, 2 & 3." These tracks essentially represent Martsch's first shout out to the world: "I will be rocking your ass soon enough." The guitar solos are so raw, so relentless, you almost can't take it.

It's possible that a few noise junkies out there might really dig Wavers from start to finish. After all, muddled and infantile Doug Martsch is still better than crystal clear Third Eye Smash Box 20 crap. But most listeners will find only three or four tracks to throw on a mix tape of lovely lo-fi indie rawk.

BEN FRENCH | Ben founded NATN in the winter of 1998-1999 with fellow IU alums Troy Carpenter and Jonathan Cohen. During the day time, he's working for Nielsen Business Media, publisher of Billboard. Ben's favorite acts include Bruce Springsteen, The Clash, Sonic Youth, Elvis Costello, Talking Heads, Rolling Stones, and the Beach Boys.