Obits is a band of noticeable pedigree who teeter precariously between sanitised and snarling. Their debut album, I Blame You saw them apply focused frenzy to their high octane surf tinged rock’n’roll while their sophomore Moody, Standard and Poor saw them dialing it down a few notches. Number three, Beds and Bugs can’t seem to find an angle to roll with – pushing the envelope successfully in some departments and skirting alarmingly close to the scrap heap at others.
Taste The Diff opens the album with a gritty basement feel, vocals sit nonchalantly low in the mix as the groove filled bass insists that you move. This Girl’s Opinion plays like a kind of mutant Dead Kennedys, it’s dirty and demented sounding garage, complete with some deranged howls thrown in for good measure, echoing the likes of Screamin’ Jay Hawkins.
Pet Trust abounds with classic pop vocal melodies that could have been penned by Ray Davies and the instrumental cover of Besetchet by Orchestra Ethiopia is quirky and unusual but it gives the listener a window of opportunity to become distracted. Operation Bikini brings the heart rate up again, conjuring up visions of a mad car chase scene while Malpractice masquerades at first glance as another surf instrumental. Front man Rick Froberg is quick to break the silence on the number but still this desperation filled ditty remains anti-climatic. Receptor is another mid paced track with a sweet melodic chorus while Machine stands out with its’ uncharacteristic dreamy vocals, playing like an indie rock track and adding little to embellish the album. Double Jeopardy is a better example of the band getting loose and limber without loosing momentum, it slithers and stalks in a stylish manner.
Beds and Bugs sees Obits taking cues from dirty rhythm and blues bands with guitar interplay that works seamlessly together as expected. If only the same could be said for the album, songs seem carelessly placed and lack cohesion. What starts as a promising follow up to Moody, Standard and Poor loses direction mid way, leaving the listener with a fractured and ultimately unsatisfying album.
BY KRYSTAL MAYNARD
Best Track: This Girl’s Opinion
If You Like This, You’ll Like These: NIGHT MARCHERS, TELEVISION, THE KINKS, THE ROLLING STONES, THE STANDELLS
In A Word: Fractured
