$5 Review
Japanther – Dump the Body in Rikki Lake – Menlo Park
Ian Vanek and Matt Reilly, the self-proclaimed “bedroom soul/pop blast” that comprise Brooklyn’s Japanther, enlist the help of guitarist Claudia Meza on this, their second full-length in two years as a band. The guitar reveals the band’s melodic underbelly, showing that they were influenced as much by Beat Happening and Sebadoh as they were by Mr. Quintron, Temple of Bon Matin, and Leslie Q. Vanek’s lead drops of fuzzed-out bass rub noses with the steady frenzy of Reilly’s simple drum kit, and they kick out the jams with almost danceable flourishes, giving credence to the claim of “bedroom soul.” Rikki Lake is the realization of a new generation of lo fi stars, like Parts and Labor and the Lowdown. In a time when the original purveyors of the four track click are starting to show their age, look to Japanther for the energy of real anti-pop music. Catch them touring around the country with The Sneeze and The Ponies this winter, and absolutely listen to this album.

The Unicorns – Who Will Cut Our Hair When We’re Gone? – Alien 8
The Unicorns play pop music with the kitsch value of the Decemberists fit into the harmless saccharine pills of the Kindercore groups, and their ponderously titled debut record doesn’t really grab on to either gimmick for assurance. This, of course, makes the record stronger than the standard indie pop recording, through its insistence on effortlessly dispelling myths of verse/chorus/verse structure. This album easily rates right up there with the Shins, Ween, Fountains of Wayne, and any other college radio pop bests this year.

Boyskout – Secrets b/w Pictures From the Moon 7” – Isota
In preparation for the January release of their full-length debut album, School of Etiquette, San Fran’s three gal/one guy foursome Boyskout play one loud, one soft. The A-side “Secrets” sounds like a lethargic Sleater Kinney, or like a fast track from Forget Cassettes. The B-side slows it down for reflection, the intimacy of Mia Doi Todd joined at the heart with the delicate melody of Morella’s Forest. A delightful taste of their upcoming album may have to offer.