Tapes ’n Tapes – Cowbell (XL)
4/5
By: Tim Dellow
It's easy to get complacent about buzz bands, especially when their obvious reference points are true greats such as the Pixies and ATD-I, but when a band, even at their most Pixie-like, manage to bring a freshness and exuberance to that worn out style of music that is rock 'n roll, your devotion is required.
And I mean devotion; this isn't the kind of band you just like, it's a band you obsess over. 'The Loon' the indie success story of this year, has a timeless spirit and lineage to classic songwriters such as Cohen and Black, and an excess of ideas that still cohere into a listen that makes you feel more refreshed than those posh shower gels that make your pink bits tingle.
The only disappointment with this 7" is the lack of new material on the b-sides. For me, when you've got a band that you're going to obsess over, be it the Buzzcocks or The Young Knives, it's in no small way down to the constant supply of quality new tracks that come through with each release. Yes, Tapes 'n Tapes can be forgiven as they've crafted a superb album proper and the American market has no call for singles, but there is a sense that with a record that, for them, is nearly two years old, there's a pressure to hear new material. While these alternate versions hint at the vigour of their live show, they hardly make the single an essential purchase.
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