This latest release from Fuzzkill Records is an extremely rewarding listen.
It’s a split tape with many layers: carving an obscure niche somewhere between 1950s dancehall rock n’ roll and the laid-back surf pop of 1960s California.
Both artists have recorded high-energy performances rooted in these early genres, that only occasionally allow for more recent influences to push through.
This is a quick follow-up for Deathcats, who pull off an inspired performance of two-shoegaze tinged gems on their second release for Fuzzkill, after last December’s The Raddest.
The instrumental sections that end both ‘Dreamz’ and ‘Aligator’ showcase a great talent for building up a unique sound and the band has a well-timed knack for punctuating straightforward, well-written pop songs with thundering instrumental breaks that keep the listener guessing.
Fruit Tones provide an instant and welcoming lo-fi throwback to the era of true rock n’ roll.
Don’t expect the high production value of a Rolling Stones compilation; think more, Marty McFly astounding a 1950s dancehall by pounding some four-bar Chuck Berry licks through a tube amp.
‘Chicken Lollipop (It’s You)’ is dancehall filler of the best kind, with a vocal smoothly crooning over jangling guitar parts.
The standout track for Fruit Tones has to be ‘Just Feeling Lucky’, here, lively surf-pop is laid out with vocals that just ooze the laid-back cool of 60s surf Americana; before ‘Will My Life Live Without Me?’ brings the Thplit Tape home in a jukebox-splitting celebration of carefree surf Americana and rock n’ roll, with a driving rhythm section reminiscent of early hardcore punk recordings.
This release is great in presenting both Deathcats and Fruit Tones as standalone talents, while also bringing both artists into a coherent and unique compilation release that is well worth a listen.
Deathcats / Fruit Tones thplit by Deathcats/ Fruit Tones
Words: Tom Deering
