Animal

Album review

After two full-on garage punk CDs for Bad Afro Records, Animal reveals Sweatmaster as both sharpening and expanding their sound on a new label, Fullsteam. If the raucous early material reminded you of Jon Spencer Blues Explosion and early Flaming Sideburns, this time the trio finds a point in-between the precision of Shellac and the blues grit of Black Keys. The production is full and nuanced, the songs are sharp and memorable, yet they manage to retain a raw edge. The opener, "Down to Size," is a statement of intent that's an assured, precise and blistering anthem. Follow-ups, such as "Dead Legs" and "I Have Your Eyes," still sound like the band who recorded "I'm a Demon and I Love Rock'n'Roll," but it's the new material's clarity and crisp sense of purpose that boost the record up another notch. At 35 minutes, the CD delivers exactly what it promises, and only "World of Disease" sputters momentarily into mediocrity. The variety the band packs into their narrow stylistic range is an impressive achievement and a good indication of the trio's combined abilities. The intense garage fervor of early Sweatmaster is upgraded on Animal, and the band takes what appeared retro in their first releases into completely modern territory. The fact the band doesn't take itself too seriously along with the subtleties of the album's insistent beat allow for multiple listens.

© JT Lindroos /TiVo