Originally written by Rob Webb · 28 November 2005
The Spinto Band
Mountains/Brown Boxes
Label: Virgin Release Date: 28/11/2005
A clever double a-side release, this: the first track, all Strokesian slurred vocals and chiming guitar riffs, lures you in but leaves the slight suspicion that they could just be another bunch of style-over-substance merchants. That's not to say it isn't good; it is, but it's nothing you wouldn't hear from Razorlight.
Song two, 'Brown Boxes', is far more interesting. Backed by a polka style beat, it relies less on the guitars and more on some creepy harmonies – and is that a kazoo in the background? I hope so. Either way, this is new wave pop of the highest order.
It's taken them eight years and seven(!) self-released LPs to get to these shores, but on this evidence it's been worth the wait.
• 8 Rob Webb's Score