Technicolor Whirlwind
Piggy Bank and Boris Karloff - ReAnimators (Newer Music Friday)
One of the best restaurants back in my hometown is this place that’s known for their grilled cheese. Their original schtick was that they sold all these different types of grilled cheeses, from basic with bacon to a deep fried jalapeño popper sandwich. That alone was enough to keep me coming, but the experience was made even better by the crazy decor. I mean, they had old inflatables, light-up signs, pumpkins — everywhere you looked it was like you were being watched by the eyes of a million hobby crafters. Long story short, that place was pretty damn awesome. That’s why I was so thrilled that ReAnimator’s album Instant Success gave me the same sort of feeling. Eclectic, eccentric, and absolutely jammin’ are just a few words I’d use to describe this technicolor whirlwind of a debut, one that instantly brightens any day it worms it’s way into.
The album starts off strong with “Piggy Bank”, a rollicking track that mixes a pub piano sound with a furiously strummed electric guitar. I got a little bit of Brian Wilson from the vocals, something that I found made the song all the more endearing to me. The tune is repetitive enough where you’re able to hum along before the end comes, but it’s kept fresh with a classic strip-down section. I personally like how it starts to crescendo but doesn’t give in fully, still ending on a quieter note.
This is followed up by “Boris Karloff”, which proves this was no fluke. (As if we needed confirmation!) There’s this pout in the vocals that’s reminiscent of the coolest parts of Elvis Costello yet have a power all of their own. I saw it in several of the songs on the album, but on particularly clear display in this song is the terrific duo of piano and electric guitar. I don’t know why this isn’t done more in music, but from this song alone, I’m convinced it should become a regular thing. The drums and bass in this one are totally on it too, steady and intense in just the right places.
Those are just the first two tracks, but you gotta believe me when I say this album is really something special. I can confidently say that each time a track ended, I had no idea what the next one would hold. Even the best soothsayer in the world couldn’t guess what would follow, no matter how clean their crystal ball is. To me, that’s the best type of album, the ones that’ll live long after their original release.
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