Cousins

The Halls of Wickwire

The 10 deliciously lo-fi songs that make up Halifax duo Cousins' new LP are so infectious that you'll be singing along to them on the first listen, especially "Alone". If  2012's near perfect The Palm at the End of the Mind was a sonic assault, this one is the melancholy morning after - hazy, scuzzy, dry and full. "At Odds" is remorseful, giving a safe place for Aaron Mangle's vocals to creep in, while "Death Man" hosts one of Leigh Dotey's few vocal performances - best used in small doses for more impact (think Moe Tucker on the Velvet's "After Hours"). While there are dirge-like brooders here, there are also heavy hitters ("What's Your Name?") and poppy pissers ("Phone"). While different versions of select tunes have appeared on previous cassette releases, they're fully realized in these Halls.

Published in Volume 68, Number 28 of The Uniter (July 2, 2014)

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