Search - Gravy :: Hangman's Pop

The Cavedog's legacy lives on!

Jonathan B Whitcomb | New Hampshire USA | 06/08/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Cavedogs exemplified the "power" in power-pop. The Boston based trio produced two brilliant albums in the early 90's and disintegrated. The band splintered, and the recording projects from the former Cavedogs showed that each was capable of putting out an album nearly recalled their former band's glory. Bassist Brian Steven's teamed up with XTC's Dave Gregory to produce his solo album "Prettier than You" which expanded upon the Cavedog's psychedelic pop tendencies, while Poundcake's "Aloha Via Satellite" (featuring drummer Mark Rivers) showcased the Cavedog's sense of irony while retaining its power. Which brings us to The Gravy, featuring the Cavedog's guitarist Todd Spahr. "Hangman's Pop" recalls the manic side of the Cavedogs. Sure, there are great hooks and moments of sparkling clarity, but the album is dominated by a murky, mysterious quality that makes the contrast so effective.This album is sonically dense, with layers of swirling guitars that suddenly make way for barrages of thundering drums and power chords (particularly in "A Scary Tree With Eyes Eating Someone"). Even seemingly straightforward rockers like "The Song" include scattered breaks with overdriven bluegrass chicken-pickin' to offset the grunge. The sound montages between songs add atmosphere and give the album an exotic feel. Then out of the mist charges the pure power-pop "Pretty Krishna" and "Sissy Blood". Spahr's voice recalls a more muscular Marshall Crenshaw and its beauty stands out wonderfully over the rocking power trio supporting it.I don't mean to pass of this album as a Todd Spahr solo project because the band sounds very tight (although only drummer Michael Jordan reappears on 1999' self titled EP). But this is clearly Spahr's show.If you were a fan of the Boston rock scene in the 80's, The Gravy recall the best elements of Mission of Burma, Moving Targets, early Lemonheads and, ultimately, the Cavedogs. Fans of hard rocking guitar pop should look no further."