One of the most surprising comebacks in the indie pop world these past couple of years has been that of Strawberry Story. However comeback they did and their early shows (Monkey Chews/Buffalo Bar) were entertaining to say the least. I didn't catch them at indie tracks but those who did thought the band were disjointed and that a spilt was imminent. That was sadly confirmed on a My Space blog posting towards the end of last month.Summer Scene was released a week before the split. The title track is vintage Strawberry Story with loud fuzzy guitars complete with Hayley's childlike vocals tearing up a strip. It's two minutes of indie pop joy. Sadly things come to a halt with Andrew which summarises the bands weakest points. Hayley's slow candy infected vocals soon begin to grate rendering the song un-listenable. Luckily it's back on fuzzy path with For The Love Of Billy. This is the sound that band did so best. It's what I remember them for and I thank them for that!
Of course they are best known for Ashlands Road and the label have stated that Molly Ringwald is better than that classic track. I see where they are coming from. Although the song does sound like a speeded up version of the former it's not as classy but that said it's still a wonderful track. The EP ends with Kiddie which features the actual words written by a Great war soldier writing back home to his loved one from the trenches. It's touching and poignant. A bit like what Strawberry Story were at times.
Strawberry Story - Molly Ringwald
Summer Scene is out now on Anorak Records. The whole EP can be streamed via My Space.
[My Space link]
Anorak has been putting out some good stuff recently.
=w=