1990s

Cookies

BY Cam LindsayPublished Jul 19, 2007

Already more popular than the sum of their former bands combined, 1990s are actually a supergroup of sorts from Scotland. Singer/guitarist Jackie McKeown and bassist Jamie McMorrow were two-thirds of cult faves the Yummy Fur (whose Male Shadow at 3 O’Clock is a lost classic), while drummer Michael McGaughrin kept time for equally underrated noise pop outfit V-Twin. But the past is behind them and with Cookies, 1990s have unveiled a debut possessing an eagerness certain to appeal to anyone looking to find another Franz Ferdinand. (The irony comes in the fact that FF’s Alex Kapranos was once a member of the Yummy Fur.) While 1990s are of a different breed of punk-infused pop (think Modern Lovers over Orange Juice), there’s no denying the vitality surging from the instruments of these three Scots. The sanguine power pop of "You Made Me Like It” and the swaggering glam drenching "Switch” keep the high alive for almost all of Cookies, which only extinguishes the fire for one downer called "Weed.” But all of the enthusiasm in the world can’t save 1990s from a consistent stream of cringe-worthy lyrics. With lines like "My cult status keeps me fucking your wife” and the irksome tendency to repeat a chorus and substitute it for a verse, 1990s have some issues to resolve. And it’s a shame because as far as writing melodies, these guys have the golden touch.
(Rough Trade)

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