CD REVIEWS
By Michael Swanger scenescribe@mchsi.com
Boulder Acoustic Society
“Punchline”
Nine Mile Records
In their effort to pay homage to the music of yesterday, some bands fall short of preserving or progressing the music. Case in point, the Boulder Acoustic Society’s third album, “Punchline.” Though the quartet tries to put their own spin on early 20th century music by using traditional instruments such as accordions, ukuleles, lap steels, cornets and violins on tunes like “We Tried” and “Frog Pajama Waltz,” they simply aren’t as musically adventurous as their musical forefathers or even the packaging of this album (much ado has been made about its stereoscopic packaging, and I can see why). Though I’m sure the band would prefer not to be perceived as imitators simply because of their affinity for vintage clothes, this album reminds me of the old saying that “the clothes don’t make the man.” CV
(Boulder Acoustic Society plays Sunday, Nov. 15 at A.K. O’Connor’s in Beaverdale. Details TBA.)
The Horseshoe Spatulas
“Radio Frequencies of Love and Fear Part One”
Independent release
Des Moines-based, quirky pop-punk band The Horseshoe Spatulas — featuring Martin “Martini” Ini, Billy-Bob “Fish” McKosher, Crumpty “Suzy Q” Williams, Tommy “Jailbird” Janklefingers and JJ “Monster Mash Wrench Head” Von Bassthoven — issue their tightest recording to date with the help of producer Jeff Marcovis at the Sound Gallery in Minneapolis. Too bad it’s only an EP because it shows a marked improvement from their previous recording. Nonetheless, fans of the band’s quick punk rock beats, heavy metal guitar riffs and nerdy-angst-ridden vocals will enjoy the EP’s five tunes, which include the radio-friendly “Room 108,” the hard-driving “The Grind and Then Some,” the angular “Swallow Your Bombshells,” the geeky “Oxygene” and lengthy jam of “Goodnight, Cabaret.” CV
(The Horseshoe Spatulas host a CD release party on Friday, Nov. 13 at 9:30 p.m. at the Vaudeville Mews. Druids and Look Out Loretta open. $5.)
