The influence of Pavement is not dead, if a little weathered. Perhaps the college rock of the 90s as a whole, as it seems ridiculous to pin the good and bad on Malkmus and Spiral (or even Gary Young — how are ye, Mr. Young?). The moth-ridden rags that remain look as sloppy chic as ever as worn by the boys of DTCC. There’s a current of displacement and violence as giver and taker, but you’re going to miss much of that on the first few listens and without the aid of a lyric sheet. What you’ll immediately gravitate toward is the warm familiarity of these songs despite never hearing them until that first press of play. That’s how they’ll hook you into the greater messages, roughly shapen. But it’s welcomed to be told rather than to put puzzle pieces together through thought experiences. Sometimes I just need a hapless sermon that’s catchy. Thank you Appleton ON for delivering.
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