Tullycraft
' Beat Surf Fun"
(Magic Marker Records)

"Fuck me, I'm Twee," singer Sean Tollefson declares on the opening number of the latest long player from Seattle's burgeoning icons of indie pop. That statement is a pretty good indication of how their taste in music runs. Poppy, airy and annoyingly catchy; imagine They Might Be Giants ripping through the Jesus and Mary Chain songbook.

This isn't just bubblegum, though. Weird, yet inspired, sonic mismatches (like the organ and sax in "Christine, ND" or cheap keyboard with stinging guitar on "Who Needs What" ) show that there is clearly more going on than in most like minded bands. The lyrics are peppered with sly Subculture references. Philosophical musings like "Does the world really need another Orange Cake Mix song?" provide insight to the band's warped creative process.

Melodies and riffs often seem to be slight parodies of better known (mainstream) songs, but for the life of me I can't peg many down. Other than a JAMC guitar run in "Twee" and the keyboard melody in "Sent to the Moon" being a twist on the Lightning Seeds' "Pure" I can't place any. The record might make an excellent party game of "Spot That Melody!" The whole package, however, comes across more as inspired homage than cheap plagiarism. For all the post-ironic posing going on, it is clear that the band loves the genre. Other highlights include the leering go-go send-up "Wild Bikini," and a rollicking "Cowgirls on Parade."

Overall, a fun and infectious romp. It jumped right out of my speakers at me and managed to restore my faith in the indie scene. Who could ask for more? Makes me want to take the skinheads bowling, or something.

Chris