Contrast Fade Back In
Published Jun 01, 2004
One of the most progressive bands on the Rainbow Quartz roster, the Contrast again eschews the labels typical brand of 60s UK revivalism here in favour of a rootsy, yet punchy brand of decidedly American guitar pop. Thats especially curious, given that the band hails from the English Midlands, where front-man David Reid has been perfecting the art of pop composition at least since the early 90s. The disc presents a dozen catchy, memorable mid-tempo tracks at times reminiscent of a more light-handed Dinosaur Jr. and not just because Reids vocal style bears a slight resemblance to J. Masciss mumble. Lyrically, Reid relies a little too heavily on the projective you-this/you-that technique of telling listeners what theyre thinking. His pen is at its best, however, when moralising with a slight grin, as on the infectious piss-take track "Functional Punk Pop Song.
(Rainbow Quartz)