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This six-song mini-album comes courtesy of Austin’s Broken Gold, which is the brainchild of Ian MacDougall, who is both the frontman and main writer.  There’s a very warm and lush sense of controlled chaos in these songs; as if My Bloody Valentine had been given the proper restraint and allowed the melodies to not be overwhelmed by the noise.  Here, the noise is not a distraction but an enhancement.

Opening track “Teeth” has (and this is the word of the day) melody, structure and a sense of completeness.  “Dirty Vodka” reminds me of something Sugar may have attempted for their second album; another song that has a great feel and drive.  “Green Grass” mixes guitar sludge, some very neat keyboard-sounding figures and the right amount of tension to make this track stand out.  “Life Of The Machine” is another exercise in tuneful noise attack, but holds itself well; “Let Go” is a clean, clear cut popsong with no heavy wall of effects, just a warm solo, a recurring riff and a sweetly melancholic feel.  “Shoulder”, which closes this mini-album has the loud/quiet/loud concept to a t, but this band knows how to do it without getting tedious.

All in all, a fine, very likable effort.  Much enjoyed – I think this is a band I will be investigating further.  Residency At Hundo Beach is an excellent primer.

RECOMMENDED

http://brokengoldatx.com/

EP Reviews, Music

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About the Author

Rob Ross

Rob Ross has been, for good, bad or indifferent, involved in the music industry for over 30 years - first as guitarist/singer/songwriter with The Punch Line, then as freelance journalist, producer and manager to working for independent and major record labels. He resides in Staten Island, New York with his wife and cats; he works out a lot, reads voraciously, loves Big Star and his orange Gretsch. Doesn't that make him neat?

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