Of late, A lot has been made in this country about bands tweaking their musical output to fit into a ‘triple j’ sound. Well, listening to Dum Dum Girls’ third LP, Too True, one can’t help but suspect that the same phenomenon exists in New York but in relation to online music site Pitchfork.
That is not to say that Too True is not, so far, one of the best releases of 2014 with its crisp and driving beats, chirpy keys, post-mariachi guitars and Dee Dee Penny’s perfectly pitched vocals. However, the similarities to fellow New Yorker trend-setter and Pitchfork lovechild Twin Shadow is uncanny. Not just in the ‘80s-come-post-dubstep production value but also the fact both artists debuts were lauded by Pitchfork – but it also cast dispersions upon the two acts’ future sound.
In a similar way to Twin Shadow’s song Five Seconds from his 2012 sophomore album Confess, Dum Dum Girls’ opening song Cult Of Love evokes the images of trendily dressed art-school students in fishnet stockings awkwardly yet gracefully dancing around figuration libre inspired artworks.
Okay, so getting back to the fact this album is fucking incredible and letting go of a half-baked conspiracy theory. Title track and album highlight Too True reeks of the heady goth rock days of the ‘80s where light and dark existed simultaneously. The album’s most accessible and fun song is Rimbaud Eyes. Channelling the alt-country style of Belinda Carlisle, overlaid with a bucket load of dope indie aesthetic, this song is a compelling and cool listen. And, Pitchfork haven’t reviewed this album but I reckon it will rate it pretty high.
BY DENVER MAXX
Best Track: Rimbaud Eyes
If You Like These, You’ll Like This: Hounds Of Love KATE BUSH, Ocean Rain ECHO & THE BUNNYMEN, Confess TWIN SHADOW
In A Word: Pitchfork
