Pete & The Pirates - Little Death (Stolen)
4/5
By: Matt Tomiak
In a year when neo-westerns No Country For Old Men and There Will Be Blood cleaned up at the Oscars, it seems appropriate that the typical experience for the jaded contemporary indie fan upon discovering Little Death will feel somewhat akin to that of the grizzled 19th century Klondike prospector finally landing long-promised riches in his dogged pursuit of wealth.
A rattling good half hour of streamlined bursts of melody, the Berkshire five piece's debut is chockablock with power pop nuggets. Modern-day reference points include US alt-rock darlings The Spinto Band and The Thermals, although the garage-rock scuzz of 'Moving', the Kinks-ian thwack of 'Mr. Understanding' and the omnipresent spirit of The Undertones suggest a more enduring sensibility underpins the work here.
'Humming' is reminiscent of Ash in their effervescent mid 90s pomp, whilst the wistful surrealism of 'She Doesn't Belong' hints at Syd Barrett. Best of the bunch, though, is the irresistible 'Come On Feet', all jaunty handclaps, unadorned lyrics and glorious vocal harmonies. With their first album, Pete & The Pirates really do seem to have struck gold.
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