Minnesota based Guilt Ridden Pop are fast becoming one of my favourite small labels. They’re something of a twin-cities lynch pin, showing faith in their local music, and the more I investigate what’s going on over there in St Paul, the better it sounds.
This release is split seven inch 45, on pretty red vinyl. Making the best of conjoined old and new tech, each of the double A-sides comes with its own b-sides by digital download.
Puppies And Trains contribution to the enterprise is ‘Behold A Pale Puppy’. The sonic ambience is nicely restrained grunge driven rock. On the other hand the sentiment of the writing is definitely punk political, telling the tale of how a belief in government cover-ups can turn into one man’s obsession. Phew, that’s a big ambition for one side of plastic. The surprise result is more cohesive than you’d imagine.
The intriguingly named Dragons Power Up! are a 4 piece that have been around since 2005. Their long establishment shows in their comfort to mix loopy experimental flourishes in alongside the indie rock main thrust here. The back flow of the guitar lines, and the tale of a golden compass, connects somewhere in my synapses to emotions I first felt listening to the anthemic soar of Echo And The Bunnymen. Apparently it was recorded in the sort of blizzards that we Brits can only imagine, which would explain why it feels like the ship you’re sailing is braving huge waves. It is called ‘Sea Legs’ after all
[Rating: 3.5]
www.dragonspowerup.com
