Search - Flu Thirteen :: In the Foul Key of V

It's rare a reviewer finds something to love.

04/15/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"CD Reviews by Alex Machurov music@savoymag.net Flu Thirteen In The Foul Key of V (The Medicine Label)Considering the number of CDs that make their way onto a music reviewer's desk, the percentage of discs that actually warrant a second spin is quite small. Factor in those that move the writer to actually jot down some words onto paper, and you're down to virtually nothing. But occasionally something will slide past the "junk radar" to make an impact.Flu Thirteen's In The Foul Key of V immediately grabbed my attention with the opening song's stop-start guitar churn and marching band drum rolls. But "My Beijing Hot Rod's" gut-wrenching vocals really held me. At a time when most post-punk bands rely on sonic overkill to offset mediocre vocals, Flu Thirteen showcases lead singer Thomas' windpipes and support it with a subtle dissonance. His raspy delivery is the melodic glue that holds the music on this band's second full-length together. Songs like "A Sweater For the Cold War" and "Accessing the Know-How" are just some of the standouts on an album full of intelligent lyrics and brutally honest approach. It leaves you wondering why more groups today can't play a song like they mean it. In The Foul Key of V is a refreshing collection of angular rock 'n' roll and Eddie Veder-ish anguished vocals. The overall sound might fall into the emo-core category but this New York City four-piece rises heads above other similarly labeled bands to hopefully make a name for itself."