June 07, 2003

Shuttlecock "existing Bridges"

This four-song EP by the silly-named Shuttlecock came on promises of silliness and tough humor, AKA "shellac meets devo." Though it didn't really deliver on those promises, it is an interesting enough little record to warrant mention. The two fellows who make up Shuttlecock are dudes with a sense of humor; their songs sound funny, even if they're not particularly meant as such. Ever laughed at a comical guitar riff? I mean, really, not since Raymond Scott or PDQ Bach have instrumental bits sounded so funny! This is math-rock made with a Mr. Professor Fun Calculator, and it's quite pleasant. That they mention on their sleeve that, "to be clear, there is no use of any type of modern sampler, sequencer or midi device on this recording or any live performances, for that matter," means these guys gots the chops. Angular, moody, but in a silly way, these four songs breeze by, and though it sounds like serious po-faced rock for musos, it's actually a fun-filled romp through rock. I'm particularly fond of the final, epic "Sub20lbs." More fun than Sweep the Leg, Johnny! and less serious than 90 Day Men, Shuttlecock provide sixteen minutes of downright fun. In an angluar, "my kid is an honor student" kind of way.

--Joseph Kyle

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