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