REVIEW: Spoon, Nefarious EP (Fluffer)

- Lee Graham Bridges

From Austin, Texas comes Spoon, a band creating, amateur indie "faux-punk" pop rock. The Nefarious EP provides a small sample (under 15 minutes) of Spoon's talent. The key to success for Spoon with this release is "The Government Darling", which is possibly the catchiest bit of indie rock since Archers of Loaf's "Web in Front" ("You're the government darling / you're sick of yourself / you're sick of yourself") and makes the whole album worth picking up. Spoon front-man Britt Daniel's vocals on the track are fantastic; singing the chorus of the song, it's hard to tell whether it's him or a Replacements-era Paul Westerberg.

"This Damn Nation" (a song by the Godfathers) is equally intense and even more angst-ridden ("This damn nation / this frustration..."), including some great guitar effects as well. "Primary" is also a good example of Spoon's loose yet endearing performing style.

"Nefarious" is plain annoying and "Not Turning Off" isn't too impressive, but overall, Nefarious is a good record. I hope to see Spoon make it big soon, that is, without ending up in the same league of dull alterna-rockers that currently plague pop and alternative charts.

To get a hold of Nefarious, send $4 check, cash or money order (payable to Britt Daniel), to SPOON, PO BOX 684651, Austin, TX 78768. You can also contact Spoon by e-mail (spoon@hours.com).