Review: The Pains of Being Pure at Heart – S/T
The Pains of Being Pure at Heart – S/T (2009) [Slumberland] // Grade: B
The Shoegaze & Dream-Pop revival marches on! I’m starting to notice that most major media outlets and press releases are just conveniently calling everything Noise-Pop at this point. You know what? The label works and I’m tired of having to type “Shoegaze & Dream-Pop” or “Twee” for each of these bands who, I’m sure as 2009 progresses, we’ll see more and more of.
The Pains of Being Pure at Heart have constructed an album so charming a throwback to the late 80′s/early 90′s Twee & Dream-Pop scenes that it’s hard to fault it for not offering much in the way of originality. It’s not like anything new couldn’t be done with the sound (Deerhunter and Asobi Seksu seem to be having a field day with taking it on new and interesting twists). The Pains of Being Pure at Heart just seem more content with building an album that would and could fit nicely alongside Rocketship or My Bloody Valentine’s earlier efforts than leading a progression. And, as I’m sure you can tell, I’m a sucker for it.
This self titled debut offers ten fuzz-covered tracks that even the most jaded of scenesters would find it hard not to enjoy. I love debuts that leaving you wondering “What do they do on a follow-up? Will it be more of the same? Do they grow from this into more of their own band?” Who knows, but I’m going to enjoy the ride while it lasts and recommend you do the same by getting this album.
A shame about that album cover though… a real shame.
February 16th, 2009 at 1:57 pm
Crook –
Goblin Cock?
Fever Ray?
February 16th, 2009 at 2:12 pm
You know, I’ve started commenting on this about 10 times now and yet I’m still at a lost for words. I gave the album a good sit down and listening-to, plus I played it in the background while working, or getting dressed, or driving across town, and still all I really have to say for it is, “Meh.”
Its not terrible, at all, but if my players never make their way around to this album again, I can’t say I would notice.
February 16th, 2009 at 3:30 pm
ElGallo: Are you into Twee at all? If you’re not then all Twee is going to be more or less “Meh”.
Cornbluth: I haven’t heard Goblin Cock and Fever Ray doesn’t come out till April. I’ll review it closer to then.
February 16th, 2009 at 4:36 pm
You know, I really do enjoy Twee, but this record is (and you say it yourself) nothing new. It was a good listen for a good weekend, but usually when I have something fresh and new sitting in front of me, I want to play with it; this record doesn’t evoke those feelings. It’s just there.
February 16th, 2009 at 4:53 pm
Crook- Fever Ray is for sale on itunes right now.
how sick is that video they put out?
February 16th, 2009 at 6:48 pm
I’ll do it this week then! It’s hard juggling all the reviews myself and it seems like you already made up your mind on it!
I haven’t seen the video actually… link it!
February 16th, 2009 at 7:01 pm
I want to jump off a cliff this video is so good.
http://pitchfork.tv/videos/fever-ray-if-i-had-a-heart