Wallpaper

A nice rule of thumb when reviewing records is to try not to compare the LP in question to another band’s sound. It seems too easy (read: lazy) to compare Interpol to Joy Division or Editors to Interpol. But in the case of Washington State brother-and-buddy trio Wallpaper, comparisons feel almost like a requirement rather than an option. Wallpaper’s debut harkens back to the days of "write good songs first, learn instruments second and think-up image third.” On The Chewing Gum Ground has the slack appeal of Swell Maps, Pavement and Nirvana without ever coming close to their cleverness. Although songs such as "Pop Rocket,” "New California” and "Auto Bop” blister with lo-fi energy, mischievousness and plenty of pop culture references, one is plainly left to associate the music to that of the ’90s indie rock scene. For those yearning for another Gumball LP, it may not be a bad thing. For the rest of the audience, there are too many other bands (Blitzen Trapper, Tapes N’ Tapes) doing this revival thing better. In the first ten years after a particular musical scene, homage seems to work better than revivals do. Too soon guys, too soon.