The Answering Machine: Another City, Another Sorry
The Answering Machine: Another City, Another Sorry
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Monday, 15, Jun 2009 04:27
Heist or Hit Records, out July 15th.
In a nutshell...
Jangly, indie-pop debut from Manchester four-piece.
What's it all about?
The long-awaited album from much-touted indie kids the Answering Machine finally arrives, three years after debut single Oklahoma. Label troubles with the ill-fated EMI group now firmly behind them, Another City, Another Sorry is the fruit of a solid year's worth of recording sessions with Manics producer Dave Eringa.
Who's it by?
Guitarists Martin and Pat met at Manchester Uni, roping in bassist Gemma after meeting her at a fancy dress party. Drummer Ben only joined in 2008, after several years of the band persevering with a drum machine. They're not the most rock and roll bunch in the world, their website listing chocolate biscuits, anoraks and knitwear among their favourite things. Motley Crue it ain't.
As an example...
"And it's sweet when you quote the books you've read/But you said too much, I know that smile too well." – The Information
Likelihood of a trip to the Grammys
Slim, unless they pass themselves off as the Strokes.
What the others say
"Here is a band sticking to the fundamentals of great pop." - Times
"An unexpected delight." - NME
So is it any good?
Well, like the majority of 'next big thing' indie bands, tThe Answering Machine haven't exactly set about reinventing the wheel on their debut release. Heavily indebted to the Strokes (the New Yorkers are listed as 'heroes' on the band's website), Another City, Another Sorry is made up of the familiar blend of frantic guitars and chirpy vocals made popular by every other band of the last five years or so.
However, whilst innovation might be in short supply, what the Answering Machine boast in spades is a glut of ridiculously catchy tunes. Singles Cliffer and Obviously Cold are so infectious, it's impossible to listen without a dopey little smile spreading all over your face. Oh Christina and Lightbulbs follow a similar pattern, little three-minute nuggets of power-pop, destined for sticky-floored indie discos up and down the country.
And despite their relentlessly sunny demeanour, there's more than the usual 'boy thinks girl looks quite pretty' to their lyrics. Several of the tracks are resolutely bittersweet, despite the chirpy delivery, with the sweetly melodic The Information downright miserable at heart. It's a bit like if the Wombats got their paws on Thom Yorke's notepad.
A solid opening gambit then. Hardly groundbreaking, but who cares when the songs are this catchy?
7/10
George Wales