Astrobrite - 8 Candy EP
(Sonic Syrup)
Ever wondered what Kevin Shield's home recordings
sound like? Now you don't have to! This EP, recorded
entirely at home on cassette 4-track by Scott Cortez
of Loveliescrushing fame, is almost ridiculous in its
devotion to the faithful recreation of the "My Bloody
Valentine sound".
That being said, Cortez makes a very
good lo-fi Kevin Shields. The washes of guitar, the
slightly "off" wavey lead lines, the simple drumbeats,
the whispery buried vocals; it's all there. In truth,
Astrobrite seems more suited to being a cover band,
albeit a very good one!
Astrobrite is not a cover band, however, and must be
judged on it's own merits. Honestly, if I had never
heard of My Bloody Valentine, I would LOVE this EP!
The songs are pretty and filled with just the sort of
guitar work that I enjoy. The vocals are understated
and pleasant. Even the fidelity of the recordings is
extremely impressive, coming from a 4-track as it did.
Without any thoughts of derivation, I would give this
CD a solid 11. Unfortunately, I can't be so blind. 2
points off for blatant copying. If you need your MBV fix,
pick this record up right now!!
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