Lali Puna - Left-Handed EP
(Morr)
Lali Puna's first release since 2001's Scary World Theory is a rather brief reprise, perhaps due to Markus Acher's very busy schedule. The three song EP provides one great new song ("Left-Handed"), a complete reworking of that song, and a Human League cover from the the band's archives. "Left-Handed" rocks more than Lali Puna has ever allowed themselves to rock. Trebeljahr accounts the new sound as a paean to her heroes Sonic Youth, however she could have said Shrink-era Notwist and it would mean just the same. Which is not to assess some sort of regression to Acher, Trebeljahr, and company, as the pop framework to the verses is simply darker-toned, but when the chorus comes in, the loud, distorted guitars mix beautifully with the ugly electronic tones to create a new sound for Lali Puna. Trebeljahr's half-spoken/half-sung vocals are unphased by the increased hard noises around her; they still come out clear and warm. The reworking of "Left-Handed" (appropriately titled "Left-Handed Dub") cuts up and reorders the sounds to create a reverberating dub song; an interesting and creative use of the source material but, as Trebeljahr's vocals are all but removed, it qualifies more as interesting than involving. The final track, "Together in Electric Dreams," is a Human League cover originally released on a March Records compilation. The music here is very understated, much more like the Lali Puna you're used to instead of the one displayed in "Left-Handed." Trebeljahr's delivery makes the song, singing the chorus as a quiet, hushed lullaby. In the end, this EP is the standard single, packing two worthwhile bonus tracks with a really great leadoff song. Those new to the band should check out Scary World Theory, but as a fan of the band, the strength of "Left-Handed" (the song) is enough to warrant buying Left-Handed (the EP).
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