12RODS - Separation Anxieties
V2
One part 80's, one part 90's, keyboard.synth mixed with some occasional wicked guitar work are perhaps one way to define the latest from 12Rods. 'Kaboom' starts the disc in promising fashion, with a clever mix of funk beats set against solid guitar work, but to classify the disc as power pop may be stretching it a bit. The majority of the material here can be described more along the lines of spacey pop and often falls short of keeping your attention for the length of the song. However, what will make this disc memorable are the two killer cuts among the monotony. 'What Has Happened' and 'Marionette' are both easily in my favorite song list of the year so far. The former is a twisted mesh of Alan Parsons and Blink 182, while the latter brings back memories of New Musik from the 80's. Unfortunately, that pretty much sums up the highlights, as most visitors to Pop Palace will be looking for something a little different than what 12Rods has to offer.
Top Cuts: 'What Has Happened' and 'Marionette'.
SCOTT PAZUR (6)
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Minneapolis' 12Rods return with their slickest, smoothest and most consistent record to date. Over the band's first two releases, '97's six song GAY and '98's SPLIT PERSONALITIES, the idea seemed to be bold mechanical soundscapes where style was the dominant factor, while the tune inside often seemed to take a back seat. But there were always those exceptions where you could hear a true pop sense underneath those modern sounds. So, enter producer Todd Rundgren who brings that pop sense to the forefront on SEPARATION ANXIETIES. His magical sense of order blends with the band's experimental urges perfectly, so that you get the real meat of the vibe on these selections, and not just vibe itself. Sure the sound is still filled with machines, bold and haunting guitars and spacey affects, but this time the songs themselves are the dominant factor. With 'What Has Happened', 'Kaboom' and the hard edged spright of the head bopping 'Marionette', the band visits the sort of Power Pop passion that highlighted their earlier works. While Mercury Rev, Grandaddy (and to a lesser degree) Rundgren fans should find solace in the album's dominant arty pop cohesiveness. Especially on the easy going tour de forces of tracks like 'I Think I'm Flying', 'Your Secrets Safe With Me' and anthem-ish 'Astrogimp'. And though a couple of songs are a bit too slick for their own good amid the others, it seems 12Rods are finally on the right track here. A sturdy effort.
M.J.O'BRIEN (6.5)
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[Fresh Ears]
While doing research for this review I found the following description of the musical sound of 12Rods: "12Rods is trying to produce the perfect synthesis of the good old guitar rock of the past and the mysterious electronic art of the future". Their music is labeled Art Rock, with a leading role for the synthesizer. The band was founded in the early 90's and is a trio (Ryan Ocott (vocals, guitar, bass, main songwriter), Christopher McGuire (drums), Ev (synthesizers, guitar,vocals). SEPARATION ANXIETIES is their second album and the successor of 1998's SPLIT PERSONALITIES. The music on this CD is not bad. If I compare it to today's popular music of the Bon Jovi's, Britney's Christina's and ...(fill in yourself) of this world, 12Rods is miles ahead. But when I compare it to some of the excellent music that is being released in the small world of independent pop, 12Rods doesn't make the cut. There's not enough catchy melody, too much use of the synthesizer, or to summarize: 12Rods is just not my musical cup of tea. But then again, this doesn't mean that the album is a bad record. It's just not one I like that much.
PATRICK BECKERS (5)