Label: Yep Roc Records
Released: Mar 23, 2004 |
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After listening to “Wire Post To Wire” numerous times, I’ve come to the conclusion that I’m kinda stumped. The Standard are very adept and insane musicians, mixing the sounds of post-punk, jazz, indie-rock, electronics, etc… I can hear the nervous energy of Clinic, the spacey qualities of Radiohead, and the darkness of Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds. However, this is not one of those albums where you can easily say, “this sounds like (fill in the blank).”
For instance, “Even Numbers” begins with minor key piano and a bass-line similar to Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” before veering off into outer-space for awhile and eventually rocking-out. “Folk Song” is piano-driven tension for the first few minutes before it delves into guitar and synth led madness, while making room for some hip-hop style drum breaks. “A Black Machine” begins with clicking, off-beat drums, repetitive, delayed guitars, and spacey keyboards before morphing into synth-heavy post punk not unlike some of the material on Wire’s “Chairs Missing” or “154.” I think you get the point by now… The least complex song, “Unicorns And Chemicals,” is a slow, piano ballad, reminiscent of the mellower songs on Archers Of Loaf’s, “All The Nations Airports.”
“Wire Post To Wire” is an intriguing album worthy of multiple listens. However, there is one element that will probably make or break The Standard for you: Tim Putnam’s vocals. His voice seems to waver uncontrollably; at times his delivery is reminiscent of Tindersticks’ Stuart Staples, and other times he reaches the nasally, higher register of Placebo’s Brian Molko. The latter comparison is the one that is difficult for me to stomach. However, if this sort of thing won't irk you, add 2 or 3 points to this rating and pick up “Wire Post To Wire” immediately. Otherwise, give it a listen or two, anyway. It will be worth your while.
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