K.C. Accidental is a two-man project between Broken Social Scene members Kevin Drew and Charles Spearin (also of Do Make Say Think), and Captured Anthems for an Empty Bathtub is the result of their initial 1997 collaboration. Anthems For Could've Bin Pills was their first official release last year, so this release is something of a prequel. If you like either of their affiliated groups chances are you should like this very much. It is a varied, cerebral instrumental album that should please people who are into Tortoise (the amusingly titled "We Wish We Lived In Chicago" and "Save the Last Breath...") or 1-Speed Bike (the first and third tracks).
Due to the fact that these tracks were culled from the nucleus stage of the group, there is a sort of lack of breadth and cohesion that keeps these otherwise inspired collaborations from really taking off. Track five has a particularly unfinished feel, though that might be part of its incidental charm (it is done over a answering machine organ progression to show how the two managed to keep things going despite scheduling conflicts). "Tired Hands," the last track, is charmingly understated and lethargic, and it's bittersweet melodic progression counteracts the more morose "Save The Last Breath..." nicely.
Both this and Anthems For Could've Bin Pills are very similar (subtracting the first and third tracks) to Broken Social Scene's similarly ambient Feel Good Lost. There is little of the infectious melodies to be found on You Forgot It In People, though the opener "Nancy and the Girdle Boy" is a real corker. Those looking for something new here might be a bit disappointed, but they'll at least have something to tide them over till the next Do Make Say Think or Broken Social Scene record comes out. It isn't essential, but it just might scratch your meandering instrumental rock itch.
1. Nancy and the Girdle Boy
2. We Wish We Lived in Chicago
3. Anorexic He-Man
4. Save The Last Breath...
5. Kev's Message For Charlie
6. Tired Hands
More about: K.C. Accidental
