More on: Les Savy Fav

Label: Wichita
Release Date: 01/10/07
Rating:

Take the time to trawl through the lists of influences cited by many a young alternative rock band on MySpace and you'll find the name Les Savy Fav appearing time and again. Hardly a band to be considered prolific, 2007 sees them finally release their third studio album, the first since 2001's 'Go Forth', and the wait was worthwhile. As if buoyed by the weight of their own influence, 'Let's Stay Friends' is an absolute belter.

Opener 'Pots And Pans' will surprise anyone expecting the usual blend of jagged guitar angularity and primal hardcore hollering. A two-note bass line and equally sparse guitar part trudge forth accompanied by a drummer showing far less restraint for a self-parodying number that announces their return in enigmatic and humorous style. Then, in an instant, familiarity returns in the form of 'The Equestrian'; a full-on assault of the ears with each element attaining critical mass whilst somehow retaining a semblance of melody. 'The Year Before The Year 2000' then continues the barrage and demonstrates that this band are as much about the original spirit of punk as they are of re-igniting that of the early Eighties US hardcore scene.

A trio of songs follow that see them at their most accessible and inventive. 'Patty Lee' serves to illustrate the progressive nature that has seen them become modern day lords of the post-punk church, with a spiked riff scratching at a pumping punk-funk groove that fellow Brooklynites !!! would be proud of. It's no surprise that the excellent 'What Would Wolves Do?' was lifted as the first single from the album, as it's the most commercial track by far, sounding like A Flock of Seagulls being mugged by Black Flag. However, the best moment of all is reserved for 'Brace Yourself' - a sprawling and hypnotic cosmic dub mantra that spirals to a frustratingly premature conclusion.

The appropriately titled 'Raging In The Plague Age' is a painful but thrilling slap in the face in comparison, whereas another highlight 'Slugs In The Shrubs' raises the bar with a torrent of backward sound effects and Siouxsie Sioux chants. 'Kiss Kiss Is Getting Old' contrasts an abrasive blast of Beasties-meets-At-The-Drive-In punk with female sung celestial rock. The cod alt. country 'Comes And Goes' is the one track that shouldn't have made the cut, as it's far too bland to blend in with such colourful surroundings. 'Scotchguard The Credit Card' sets the ship back on a post-hardcore course before 'The Lowest Bitter' brings it into harbour in a manner uncomplicated but stylish; a brass fanfare providing a fitting celebration of the glorious and emphatic return of the Favs. Let's hope they're back for good.

Richard Stokoe

Les Savy Fav Official Site
Les Savy Fav Myspace