The Glasgow-based group The Eisenhowers show no shame in revealing their influences of Elvis Costello, Aimee Mann and XTC and so they shouldn't. Even their album title, with its thinly-veiled acknowledgement of Jellyfish, is an open and honest acceptance of the artists who informed their sound. Good job then, that their own brand of literate pop/rock music is up to scratch. Superior songs such as '...And Consequently' and 'Useless Love' suggest a Scottish Squeeze, the doleful 'If I Had To Make A List' crosses Costello with Lloyd Cole whilst 'Jigsaw' is an excellent example of their sophisticated power pop. Even their slower-paced material ('Abracadabra Man', 'If Satellites Should Fall', 'Plastic Jesus') is perfectly judged and adds new layers of maturity and depth to their already impressive oeuvre. Rather than an exercise in rewriting other groups' ideas, 'Almost Half Undressed' is a lesson in great songwriting that can more than stand up on its own two feet.
The Glasgow-based group The Eisenhowers show no shame in revealing their influences of Elvis Costello, Aimee Mann and XTC and so they shouldn't. Even their album title, with its thinly-veiled acknowledgement of Jellyfish, is an open and honest acceptance of the artists who informed their sound. Good job then, that their own brand of literate pop/rock music is up to scratch. Superior songs such as '...And Consequently' and 'Useless Love' suggest a Scottish Squeeze, the doleful 'If I Had To Make A List' crosses Costello with Lloyd Cole whilst 'Jigsaw' is an excellent example of their sophisticated power pop. Even their slower-paced material ('Abracadabra Man', 'If Satellites Should Fall', 'Plastic Jesus') is perfectly judged and adds new layers of maturity and depth to their already impressive oeuvre. Rather than an exercise in rewriting other groups' ideas, 'Almost Half Undressed' is a lesson in great songwriting that can more than stand up on its own two feet.
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