From PlaybackSTL (Nov 2005) by Kevin Retnick
by PostPunker
Originality isn’t everything. In fact, it’s seldom in evidence on this second effort by Popstar Assassins. This is primarily ’80s-era jangle pop, with a strong debt to early R.E.M. (especially in the vocals of Tim Thomas), Psychedelic Furs, Johnny Marr’s guitar work with the Smiths, and maybe the more recent work of the Shins. Yet despite the familiar approach employed by this Seattle outfit, they’ve made a wonderfully listenable recording.
Leadoff track "Headache(s)" has stuck in my head as much as anything I’ve heard lately, owing to its atmospheric, Murmur-like guitar riff and a punchy rhythm section. "I Request Roses" is even better, and though some will gripe about the obvious Michael Stipe-isms, I was thoroughly charmed by the restraint in the vocal delivery amid the sweet guitar sound and clean bass. By the time I got to "Yr Legend Grows," I couldn't help but notice how great the mix is on this 11-song platter; credit for that goes to both producer Thomas and drummer/engineer Dan Mohr. Every note on the guitars is cleanly audible, and on "Legend," there's a very simple keyboard part (mostly one note repeated) that is thoroughly ear pleasing.
There's no doubt that songs like the rousing rocker "Easy for You" and closing "Symbols/Shelter" sound like they're from some great lost early R.E.M. album-and that may prove enticing for those who aren't too thrilled with the Athens legends’ exceedingly contemplative direction these days. But Popstar Assassins do vary things more on the disc's second half. The calm center and yet buzzing guitars of "Unmoved" are impressive, and "Adrenachrome" has a more varied arrangement than other tunes, with Thomas shifting his vocal approach to something darker, and a nice high harmony to accompany him.
My favorite song is probably "For Robert Wyatt" (I'd love to know the origins of this one), which has the most intriguing arrangement and some rather mesmerizing ethereal background vocals. It shows the genuine creative potential of this likable band. "We are big fans of a lot of music," the band says with understated sincerity on their press release. "Some of those influences are probably noticeable in the songs and mixes." Yeah, guys, 'tis true. But not to worry. You play very well, you sing well, you care heaps about how your records sound, and you obviously love what you do. That adds up to something far more impressive than some of the more original records around right now. And I have a feeling I'm gonna be playing this disc fairly regularly, especially on the road. In short, these Popstar Assassins have hit enough musical targets to be well worth the attention of both old-school and modern-rock fans alike.
