Amazingly, in this "Spice Girls", what-have-you-done-for-me- lately world of A&R roulette, sometimes an inventive quality band without a prayer of having a hit single actually gets to release a record on a major label. Welcome, with open arms, Built To Spill.
Guitarist/songwriter/vocalist Doug Martsch is the force behind this band who have been issuing indie albums at an annual clip since 1993. After years of revolving band members (you've got to like a band with two members named Brett Nelson and Brett Netson) and Martsch at the core, the current lineup includes ex-Spinanes drummer Scott Plouf and bassist Brett Nelson, with whom Martsch has recorded on and off since 1981 when they were classmates. Lord knows you may never hear any of this on your radio, but that's not because it doesn't belong there.
With tracks clocking in at a six minute plus average, maybe the closest comparison I can make for BTS's hypnotic guitar driven songs would be Neil Young, although the backing band would more closely resemble Thin White Rope or The Loud Family than Crazy Horse. Martsch floats tempo changes in and out of songs, and the melodies shift often enough that one might assume there are actually fifteen or twenty songs on the disc. With a reedy vocal style that at times resembles Plant, Young or even Perry Farrell (and I mean that in a good way!), Doug's words are counterbalanced by the underscore of moody instruments like mellotron and cello. And then there's that guitar work.
Most 90's guitar players should have their wah-wah pedal license revoked for PWI (playing without inspiration), but not Martsch. His haunting guitar work is pure texture, not in-your-face technique. Credibly, the rhythm section doesn't overplay, but feeds the song, as each journeys off to another corner of your mind. Whether melancholy and spare (as on "I Would Hurt A Fly") or jacking up faster (the stunning closing piece "Untrustable Part 2"), each mini-song cycle is a real mood piece that worms its way into your ear and grows stronger with repeated listens.
More comparisons? How about a more rhythmic, less punky Television? Great musical chops not tied into a three minute package. Highly recommended for those who enjoy the rewards of musical moods.
