music :: reviews :: rock/pop

by Jason Newman

Inouk
No Danger
Say Hey

The latest in a line of American groups favoring the melodies of Britpop over the dancey rhythms of 80s post-punk, Philadelphia's Inouk combine the melodic elements of Stone Roses with a noticeably psychedelic vibe. The title track could pass for a Forever Changes b-side, as brothers Damon and Alexander McMahon trade pleading vocals over the chugging rhythm of Glen Brasile's drums. The song shifts around so much, it would require its own review to do it justice, But suffice to say, it ranks among the best neo-psychedelia out there. Elsewhere, the beautiful, melancholic “Elected” will have you throwing up your fist to sing along with the anthemic chorus amidst a hallucinogenic guitar soundscape, while “Nudie Suit” sounds like Brian Wilson on Valium as McMahon croons “Sometimes you're too sweet to die/Other times you ought to be burned alive.” Ahh, who hasn't wanted to say that to someone?

2004 1-42 Online