STILL SINGLE

A space for thoughts on music and culture, as written by Doug Mosurock and a select handful of individuals. This is intended as a supplement to our regular feature Still Single, published on Dusted Magazine. Updates will run here more frequently, and may feature writing on music not covered in the column. Compact discs are still not accepted for review -- we have more than enough vinyl and the occasional cassette to worry about.

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January 12, 2012

Human Resources – Saving Lady/Pauline 7” EP (Ghosthunters Club)

Textures and hints of ideas (some of which really deserve further development than is settled for here) dominate this murky offering from Human Resources. The unsettling “Saving Lady/Pauline” plods along, driven by a loop that sounds a little like heavy breathing, dips into ‘60s Brit-psych territory, then ends with a weird synth scrawl. Vocals are obfuscated under echo and delivered in either a faraway mumble or a nerdy sneer; effected instruments founder in and out of the mix, which for some reason lacks the authentic “grit” of a lo-fi recording done with cheap and cruddy gear. On the B-side we get some stumbling Residents-esque rhythms, chord organ blurts overlaid with disembodied and backward-masked vocal fragments. “Extra Lives” comes close to being a standout track with its tap-dance percussion and general vibe that evokes the folk-psych weirdness of the soundtrack to Kenneth Anger’s “Puce Moment.” Whether intended or not, there is something to be said for music that resists instant “likeability” like this does. The packaging likewise aims high but just misses the mark: Crystal-clear vinyl in a clear plastic jacket sure look classy, but the bits of ink that flake off the inlay artwork (also printed on clear acetate) and adhere to the record’s playing surface will surely discourage repeat listens. (http://www.ghosthuntersclubcoop.com)
(Adam MacGregor)

1 month ago • 0 notes