Earwig's new album, Perfect Past Tense, is like a breath of fresh air in a stale indie-rock world. On their latest indie release, Earwig combines the melodic sounds of bands like Radiohead, Elliot Smith and the Foo Fighter... more »s with heart-on-yr-sleeve lyrics and dramatic guitar riffs to forge a sound that is theirs alone. The top notch songwriting only helps to make this a disc that will have you leaping out of your chair in spontaneous fits of air guitar strumming. Earwig works the space between studied lo-fi ineptitude and infectious pop hookery and cuts to the heart of what makes us like to listen.« less
Earwig's new album, Perfect Past Tense, is like a breath of fresh air in a stale indie-rock world. On their latest indie release, Earwig combines the melodic sounds of bands like Radiohead, Elliot Smith and the Foo Fighters with heart-on-yr-sleeve lyrics and dramatic guitar riffs to forge a sound that is theirs alone. The top notch songwriting only helps to make this a disc that will have you leaping out of your chair in spontaneous fits of air guitar strumming. Earwig works the space between studied lo-fi ineptitude and infectious pop hookery and cuts to the heart of what makes us like to listen.
CD Reviews
Speaking of a number of drummers...
Jeffrey Boerst | eugene, or | 01/12/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"... Obviously influenced heavily by songwriters like Michael Stipe, Lizard has always been able to weave concept, style and technique together, into varied and rich tapestraic storiescapes. Using simple lyrics and melodies, he can somehow make what, if written by a "non-TRUE songwriter", would normally be another catchy, yet quickly forgettable indie tune, into a truly chilling, and meaningful song. Ever since the first time I heard, "Sleep With Me", it has always inspired actual tears. Years later, I still find myself humming a tune here or there."
Headed for the top
Jeffrey Burlingame | Washington State | 12/08/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"It's the age-old dilemma: How do you convince others of your opinion? I could say buy the album, because that would work. You, however, think that's a big risk. It's not. And if you don't buy it now, you'll be surfing e-bay in 10 years paying 85 bucks for a copy. Earwig is that good. The songs are beautifully crafted, intelligent and extremely catchy. The crescendo-filled "Cinema East" brought tears to my wife's eyes the first time she heard it. I couldn't get past the fifth track for the first two weeks I had the CD. It's that good. Download something and check it out for yourself. You've got nothing to lose."
Can't Wait to Hear More!
David Cool | Montreal, Canada | 12/07/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Perfect Past Tense is the first indie-rock album to give me goosebumps in a long time! Using a couple of different drummers on the album gives it a very unique feel and allows you to hear different sides of the band. There's just great songwriting on this album. Songs like Best Kept Secret and Drag are two of my favorite songs of the year. With rock bands disappearing out of the mainstream, it's great to know that there are bands like Earwig that are ready to take over. I can't wait to hear what they do next!"
The finest album I've bought in two years.
miranda miller | Northeast, USA | 10/05/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Somewhere between raw emotion and hummable tunes exists a new musical plateau created by Earwig. Striking up an almost disturbingly perfect balance between musical support and lyrical content, this cd breaks new ground in indie rock and emo pop. Lizard McGee, songwriter, recorder, producer extraordinaire, makes it look easy. The songs are unforced and charming. They are catchy and thought-provoking. They are layered with depth of feeling and simple guitar flavor. They are the kinds of songs (and to EACH one this applies, so brilliant is this album)you can't speak during; the kinds of songs you love for the love of pop, and respect for the survival of worthwhile, real, music. It would be a disservice to that survival to not buy this record."
Track Listings (13) - Disc #1