Search - Metal Flake Mother :: Beyond the Java Sea (Reis)

Get away! They're mine!

04/05/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Ask any hipster about his all-time favorite bands, and you are certain to get a response including at least one brilliant, imploded group that never transcended local or regional prominence. Why this predictable response? Well, 1) because all hipsters know that the most interesting rock n'roll innovations happen in the clubs, "under the radar" of major labels, and 2) a band's relative obscurity allows for the kind of personal investment and connectedness --even a sense of ownership -- that music mavens value. MFM will (and should) be on the favorites list of any hipster who lived in Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill in the late 80s - early 90s. MFM "belongs" to these folks. So why should others -- who may not be similarly intoxicated by nostalgia -- pay attention to MFM, a decade later? Because MFM still sounds fresh, resistant to the kind of categorization/labeling so prevalent on this and other sites ("others who purchased _____ recommend: The Strokes"), and CHALLENGING. Some reviewers here have noted that MFM's lone album still makes its way to their turntable/CD player on a regular basis. (Calling all fellow Seattlelites: anyone still listen regularly to their Green River albums? Yeah, they sound dated.) A challenging album such as "Java Sea" encourages return visits, and truthfully must be revisited to be appreciated for its staying power and relevance. Finally, it should be noted that few of those brillant, "obscure" bands leave behind a masterwork. Thanks to MFM for being a beloved exception."

The guitarist next door - Metal Flake M...........

Rob | Raleigh | 05/23/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The incredibly unpleasant lead guitarist of Metal Flake Mother, lived next door in one of 9 apartment rooms above a Chapel Hill / Carrboro restaurant in 1992, practicing the same damn riff over and over and over for nearly a year! All I and other bleary-eyed residents would hear blasting day and night was TUM TUM TUM TUCKA tum tum tum tucka TUM TUM TUM TUCKA tum tum tum. So I was surprised as hell when I heard the album, because it's actually damn good! Tight rhythms and weird vocals paint darkly amusing tales. They still played locally that year, then broke up. Then, he tried to take up alto sax - echh! I moved. Funny, members of Flat Duo Jets, The Bad Checks, Archers of Loaf, Little Kings, Crazy Dave, and probably others lived up there between '87 and '94."

An Overlooked Wonder

J. Holmes | yokohama, japan | 01/15/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"despite having a fairly ridiculous band name/album title, Metal Flake Mother's one and only full-length album is a treat for those who like weird pop songs with hooks and a slightly quirky and creepy edge. the music is full of unconventional melodies and creative arrangements; utilizing a surf guitar sound...full of that "round" rockabilly tone and dripping with reverb. in listening to this great cd, it becomes apparent that perhaps Metal Flake Mother was influenced by Pixies in both their guitar sound and their songwriting approach. and it works wonders, becasue i've heard alot of bands that try to ape the Pixies style; but Metal Flake Mother pulls it off by adding plenty of their own personality and elements that make them a band on their own. and the singer's vocals are great...sort of like a more glammed up Morrissey. they are flamboyant, tuneful, but never over the top; aways staying to the respectful range of the song. Beyond the Java Sea is a record that i have grown intimate with over the years; first discovering the cassette in a bargain bin many many years ago and wearing it out with repeated listens. and now finally being able to listen to it on cd...with some tasty bonus tracks tacked on, as well. discover for yourself what all the fuss is about...look past the band name, album title, and the dreadful cover art, and discover a secret masterpiece, much overlooked and underheard."