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Local band ‘Spins’ a good tale
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Also by Molly Webb:
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by Molly Webb
Friday, May 30, 2003
Now that summer is upon us, I’m sure all of us are glad of the extra time available to catch some great local bands. Madison’s local venues book local bands up the wazoo during the summer, and what better chance to hear the scene-newcomers that just might be the next big thing?
Speaking of the next big thing, Spin Spin Coupling, a Madison trio, certainly has the potential to up the ante on the local scene. With a combination of catchy songs, versatile and challenging vocals and obviously talented instrumental backing, the group could easily capture quite a few fans if it plays its cards right over the summer.
I was told I would like Spin Spin Coupling because it sounds like Weezer. From the first track of SSC’s 5-song effort, One Train May Hide Another, the Weezer connection is apparent. The beginning chords of track one, the aptly titled“SuperNerd,” sound almost identical to the chords featured in Weezer’s “El Scorcho,” from the group’s master ‘90s effort Pinkerton.
While SSC lead singer Mike Jensen’s vocals differ quite a bit from those of Weezer frontman Rivers Cuomo, the instrumental and rhythmic qualities of SSC are easily comparable to Weezer’s brand of power-pop.
From “SuperNerd,” the album takes a somewhat different direction, moving into a slower, more laid-back jam-type song, “The Puzzle,” and this is where Jensen’s vocal talent really comes through. Combined with individualistic instrumentation, he shows amazing versatility and range, hitting the highest of the high falsetto notes right on and with the same intensity and character he employs for the mid-range notes.
Backing vocals and instrumentation from Alan Halverson (drums, vocals, guitar) and Paul Van Auken (bass, vocals) complete the package, and by track three, “Better Place,” the band’s unity and synchronicity are shown at their finest. One of the more serious songs on the album, the exact lyrical theme of “Better Place” isn’t necessarily readily discernable, but rather is left to the listener to figure out for him or herself.
From the seriousness and slower speed of “Better Place” SSC moves to “Mullet Across America,” which is obviously a break from the solemnity of the previous track. “Mullet Across America” starts off as all great mullet anthems do – with a cheesy ‘80s synth sound effect, followed by the electronic drumbeat all of us who once owned puny Casio keyboards know by heart.
Again, the Weezer comparison comes up, as the sound effects end and SSC breaks into what can truly be called a power-pop anthem. Jensen’s lead guitar offers screeching metal-esque riffs above it all, giving the song that special arena-rock feel, complete with a pseudo-shredding solo near the end of the track.
Rounding out the album, “India Suite” is a return to the relaxed, and its repeated chanting near the beginning, combined with soft, somewhat-distorted vocals in the middle, gives listeners the perfect end to a short but sweet album. The longest track on the album, clocking in at just under seven minutes, “India Suite” is the culmination of all the elements that made the previous four tracks great — catchy melodies, shining vocals, sharp instrumentals and relaxation.
All in all, in One Train May Hide Another, Spin Coupling has put together an album that shows the band at its finest and gives listeners a taste of what’s to come if SSC gets the publicity and fan base it deserves.
Grade: A
Spin Spin Coupling plays at the Anchor Inn, 1970 Atwood Ave. , June 7, with Street Van & the Locals and Sugar Jets. For more information, call Anchor Inn at 244-6095 or check Spin Spin Coupling’s website at www.spinspin.org
