Bellowhead have a great reputation as the saviours of British folk, bringing together a brass section, traditional tunes and a jolliness that eschews the dour stereotype of Aran-sweaters and fingers-in-the-ear.
There is a story that Nirvana, having recorded “Smells Like Teen Spirit”, wanted to discard the number as being too obviously a Pixies’ rip off. It is unlikely that The Vines have had similar qualms: as this compilation clearly demonstrates, they have made a career through imitating Nirvana.
There are a number of things that strike me about TPC. Fortunately there is enough space to detail them all here. The first thing is that I had forgotten about them until this CD. It seems so much has happening in US indie right now.
Rogue Wave are determinedly nostalgic for an open, generous rock: recalling Tom Petty’s poppier moments, they veer for the middle of the road with clear harmonies, loose beats and sudden blasts of elegiac guitar.
Best way to understand Cavedoll is through the bonus tracks: Bowie’s ‘Heroes’ and The Stones’ ‘Paint It Black’. Their website might claim them as neo-new wave
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