Last Splash

The Real Deal.

Nice indie rock album by The Breeders. Some weakers songs (Mad Lucas, Roi, Hag), some absolute bangers (Cannonball, Divine Hammer).

I received this album on CD from my Columbia House subscription, I think as an almost random pick. I loved it then. I love it still. How nice to get reacquainted! I forgot how much I love “Divine Hammer”. And “Drivin’ On 9” is such a nice and catchy little ditty. Thanks for bringing this back to my attention!

Even with heaps of acclaim, this LP has still always felt under-appreciated to me. There’s more than a touch of genius in taking the distinctly American feel of surf rock and twisting it into a grungier, self-aware version of itself, and it’s a potent niche that no other album has managed to occupy. The whole thing seems to flow like a wave, the instrumentals light and bouncy up until they crash into each other for some explosive choruses. Huge range in the songwriting as well – Kim Deal knows how to write an excellent track, and I think we’re all the better she escaped the shadow of Pixies before it was too late.

I've long been outspoken about my love for female-led grunge/rock, and this certainly falls into that category with a heavy shoegaze influence. I liked it quite a bit but honestly my main issue with it is that the vocals were just too quiet. I get that that's what they were going for but i think some of these songs would've been so much more fun if they were belting out those lyrics. Regardless, cannonball and the entire middle of the album are all great.

I feel like I've heard this before but can't remember it. I know it's Kim Deal at least. I'm not a huge Pixies fan but I think that's something I have against Black, not her. This is pretty catchy. Cannonball was familiar, a few other tunes possibly too. It has that laid back Gen X alternative vibe that sometimes I like, sometimes I hate. This morning I like it. And there's an added almost surf rock feel, bit of a retro thing but still unmistakably early 1990s. So that's nice. 4/5.

Cool rock music

Rating: 6/10 Best songs: Flipside, Saints

A very 90s album with the grungy guitars and vocals similar to female led The Cranberries. This felt like a perfect melding of different 90s album that took a lot of the good things and used it here. This album was alright but it felt very middle of the road. For the things it was good at there were bands that did it better. Overall it’s a good listen but not something I’d actively revisit. 6.4/10

Good stuff. 3 stars.

Yeah I’ll splash you like a breeder if you know what I mean

Alternative rock, experimental, indie rock, noise pop, pop rock, surf rock, grunge. Rollo. Un 2.