Washington Social Club, ‘Catching Looks’

By user • Jun 15th, 2004 • Category: Album Reviews

The debut record from this D.C. foursome is eye-opening. Frontman Martin Royle’s sharp songwriting oozes a social consciousness similar to what The Clash and Elvis Costello once were and what Ted Leo currently is.

The rawness of “Modern Trance,” the pop sensibility of “Are You High” and the haunting acoustics of “River And The Road” lay the groundwork for the near-perfect release. The delicate backing vocals of bassist Olivia Mancini help to lighten the heavy subject matter of songs such as “Dead Kid Town,” as she intermittently masks the mood of the record.

Even the slight misstep of the reggae-like “Charlie The Russian” can’t derail the onslaught of intelligent, aggressive, post-punk-inspired rock.

Northern Star, June 15, 2004

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