Hornet Leg

The distinct post-punk, weirdo pop minimalism of the early'90s K Records roster is an often imitated but rarely duplicated treat. Portland, OR's Chris Sutton's (Dub Narcotic Sound System) latest project, Hornet Leg, are a fuzzed-out, three-chord affair that are equal parts White Stripes and Daniel Johnston. Ribbon of Fear is the first full-length release from the various incarnations Sutton has pursued over the past six years ― from a solo acoustic bedroom project to electro dance party ― and the solidified direction of the simple three-piece was well worth the missteps. Off-time (and off-kilter) charm infiltrates a good portion of these scrappy garage songs, bolstered by the soulful rock twang of "Ruined My Life," the raw, bluesy crunch of "Snake Oil" and the lo-fi, blasé punk of "Wait." Somewhere in all of this deliberate and skilful genre-bending is a straightforward, Thermals-esque pop vision that's highly creative, accessible, smart and fun. And the best part is you believe every note of it.