Neon Filler Review

Mog / Neon Filler Review Review- Songs for Tuesdays
23rd July 2009
With nothing in the weeks releases that grabbed me I decided to pick an album that I knew nothing about. This is a tactic that has brought me great rewards in the past, but also unearthed some real stinkers. The album I chose was Songs For Tuesdays by Summer Cats, and it definitely falls into the former category.

Released on Slumberland Records, a label that has released records by Velocity Girl, 14 Iced Bears, Stereolab and, more recently, The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart it is in perfect company. The album is like a compilation of all the best indie pop sounds of the last 25 years.

Summer Cats are from Melbourne, home to another notable indie pop act Architecture In Helsinki, and they aren't afraid of wearing their influences on their sleeve. That isn't to say that they are slavish copyists, but you can hear influences throughout the record. And it is a record that achieves something pretty special by every song sounding different to the last, without losing a cohesive identity.

Opener 'Let's Go' is reminiscent of Superchunk, 'Hey You' a lo-fi Apples in Stereo. 'Maybe Pile' The Go-Betweens and on 'St. Tropez' there is even a little Camper Van Beethoven going on. Elsewhere on the record I hear elements of The New Pornographers, The Tyde and The Pastels. All that and more, including single 'Super', comes across in thirteen fuzz and jangle pop nuggets, only one song breaking the 3 minute barrier.

Normally I would shy a way from an album that is so backward looking, but it is impossible not to be pulled in by the shear fun and energy of it. There isn't a duff track on the album and despite some overly fuzzy production it sounds great.

Sure, it isn't the kind of record that is going to change the face of music. And I'd be surprised if the band receive more than a small, but loyal, following. But so what? It is a great and uplifting slice of the true spirit of indie pop. If you enjoy any of the bands mentioned in this review, or any other fun indie pop from the last 25 years then I can't recommend this enough.
9/10

Neonfiller