As the founders of Fuck It Tapes, the psychedelic/freak-folk outfit Woods have seen seen much of their roster move on to bigger press (Wavves, MV&EE, Vivian Girls, much more) but it doesn’t seemed to have phased them much. These guys are hype darlings with some backbone, content to quietly perfect their craft and let the rest work itself out.
Their upcoming Songs of Shame is more extroverted and less antiquated than 08’s At Rear House, and is pushed out of the womb with such fervor that I can finally get behind the strained falsetto, Elliott Smith experiencing zipper-trouble vocals. My favorite track from them so far, “Gypsy Hand,” is heavy on the Sweet’N Low and cuts through familiar territory of demented sing-alongs and jangly pop hooks until exploding into a manic dialogue of phased guitars and barrel-chested drum kicks. “Echo Lake,” is a brief warm-up for some ritual sacrifice complete with war-toms and diving licks of squelched distortion not unlike label mates Magic Lantern. I bet they blast these jams during parties on Endor.
I wasn’t a believer before, but this is shaping up to be one of my most anticipated releases of the season. Whatever shameful deeds you’re doing in those Woods, keep it up. The vinyl will be available April 14th here.
MP3 :::
Woods – Gypsy Hand
Woods – Echo Lake
