Psapp - Tiger, My Friend (Domino)
3/5
By: Gareth Roberts
It's a curious thing when a press release's main boast is that a band has appeared on the soundtrack to The OC and Grey's Anatomy. So it is with an air of trepidation that I begin listening to Tiger, My Friend; Psapp's re-released debut album which originally saw the light of day in 2004.
Psapp are made up of Galia Durrant and Carim Clasmann, a boy-girl duo based in London. However, anyone expecting White Stripes-like ferocity (and dubious drumming) will be dreadfully disappointed, because Psapp are quite simply from another planet. Opener 'Northdown Flat B1' is a case in point, a plid-plodding, almost nursery rhyme of a song whose percussion is provided by the squeezing of a dog's toy. So, as you have probably fathomed, Psapp are not going to be everyone's cup of tea.
In fact by now you have probably made up your mind whether they sound like your kind of band or not. Thankfully for those of you still reading it is likely that they are the sort of quirky band, similar to Deerhoof in style if not execution, that are likely to provide you with that little element of absurdity that we all need in our lives.
The quirks continue throughout the record, with 'Velvet Pony' playing host to ringing bells and a vocal that sounds like it was delivered via a telephone link-up from the other side of the planet. Elsewhere, 'About Fun' seems to contain a falsetto delivered by a small cat, or mouse for that matter, having its tail yanked, whilst it ends with the sound of rainfall and bird sounds. Naturally.
Tiger, My Friend is an interesting listen to say the least, enjoyable in small doses, but whether its something I could see myself returning to again and again is unlikely. However, it is worth applauding Psapp for their originality, and downright bravery, alone.
Preview all songs from 'Tiger, My Friend' HERE.
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