Customer Reviews

Pink on Pink

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

You gotta say one thing for The Fever: They have enthusiasm. Even though their debut EP "Pink on Pink" lacks the fire of their live shows, they still have plenty of rollicking intensity spilling over the edges of the disc. It's a nice solid round of frenetic indie-rock, with plenty of over-the-top vocal acrobatics.

A fast-paced guitar riff starts off the wailing "Ponyboy" and bouncing percussion-and-organ-led "Ladyfingers." Fast-paced pleading is the core of "Bridge and Tunnel" (with the repeated wails of "daaaarrrrlin'!"), followed by the sneery, plodding "Pink Paganz" and the passably strong cover of "Glamorous Life."

The Fever isn't a terribly original band. They're not bad or derivative, but numerous New York indie bands thrive on the same sort of stuff that they do here. It's a mix of dance-rock's energy and garage rock's rough-edged sound, though with a blast of vitality that is their own entirely.

"Pink on Pink" is heavy on the sleazy guitar riffs and slam-bang percussion. It's so fast and frenetic that it's a bit hard to keep up with Pony, Achilles and Esquire's tornado sound. J's surprisingly light organ work in "Ladyfingers" is a welcome touch. Geremy Jasper has a fairly average voice, though sometimes he resorts to wails and yowls that test the limits of his vocals (and don't add a lot to the songs).

The Fever don't have what it takes to stand above the indie-rock crowd, but they show signs of blooming into something that could very well have it. For some enjoyably loud indie-dance-rock, "Pink on Pink" may fit the bill.

I saw these guys live, and I must say that their live show is GREAT, which makes this EP something of a letdown. This EP doesn't seem to capture the frenetic energy and rich sound of their live show. The songs here are enjoyable but ultimately forgettable, and there's nothing being done here that a dozen other New York indie bands aren't doing better. Also, it's always a bad sign when the strongest material on your record is a cover of someone else's song (Glamorous Life).

That being said, I still HIGHLY recommend their live show if they're ever in your town, and I still think these guys can break out of the pack of indie dance-rock sound alikes and find big success if they can find a way to harness the sound and energy of their live show and put it on a CD.

I saw this group live and picked up their EP at the show (which shows how much they impressed me). I really enjoy all the songs except the fourth on the disc. The disc wasn't quite as good as the live show, but it definitely shows promise. My biggest complaint is that the lead singer sometimes resorts to vocal acrobatics that don't add anything to the song. I much prefer when he sings the song more "straight." Other than that, the album's great. I'm looking forward to future releases.

I've been checking these guys on the NYC circuit for quite some time, and let me say - they absolutely rock! They have wide appeal and so far NO ONE who has seen them live has been disappointed. This EP is a perfect compilation of their best hits - a great introduction to a band that has what it takes and will make it big. Watch out!!

This EP is quite simply the best thing ... I have encountered lately. The Fever's debut is a great mix of sleezy-garage à la The Cramps or The Trashmen, slingshot-vocal-seizures/shrieks not unlike what Nick Cave used to do with The Birthday Party. Add to that the reckless savagery and sheer danger of The Stooges and *poof* -- You have The Fever. All this and they even had the nerve to do a version of "Glamorous Life" by Sheila E.

When you find yourself complaining that everything under the sun is manufactured by malfunctioning robots, hold your tongue a moment and consider who is to blame. The Fever has been playing in Brooklyn and NYC for the last year a LOT and now they are starting to make it around to the hinterlands (UK, OH, CA) where you must catch them live to fully appreciate the raw, wild action of their show. In the meantime you need to buy this CD so you can see where the occasional breakout superband comes from. The buzz is starting already so don't be late!