REVIEW: Gigalo Aunts, Mrs. Washington 7"
(also available on CD with additional tracks)
- Tim Mohr
Boston has produced an impressive string of alternative rock bands and many of those acts come vaguely to mind upon hearing the Gigalo Aunts, an emerging Boston quartet. The easiest comparison is to Buffalo Tom, as both bands harness loud but melodic guitars to soaring vocal harmonies. By steering clear of the catharctic laments that characterize Buffalo Tom, and by tossing in a dose of Pixies-esque irony, the Gigalo Aunts create an invigorating take on the now-traditional Boston sound.
The band generated attention in Europe for their latest album, Flippin' Out (on Fire Records in Europe), opening for the Wonder Stuff. On the Full-on Bloom e.p. that accompanied the first single from Flippin' Out, the Gigalo Aunts covered "Serious Drugs" by the BMX Bandits (Creation), splashing brash guitars over the originally sparse, acoustic tune. The BMX Bandits' consciously maudlin arrangement benefits from the Aunts respectful but rambunctious treatment.
The third single from Flippin' Out, "Mrs. Washington" is backed with another effective and original cover version. The Smiths' lilting "Ask" sparkles in a loud, fast, straight-ahead Gigalo Aunts version. Best of all, the Gigalo Aunts seem to have learned from other local influences: the cover avoids the novelty-act feel of Dinosaur Jr.'s Cure cover, "Just Like Heaven," and the Lemonheads "Mrs. Robinson."
