The Strangest Things

Longwave are the latest New York rockers said to be in cahoots with The Strokes (they once toured with them) and to cut the comparisons off at the knee, let’s just say that dark good looks, a frayed drawl of a lead vocal and the same sense of studied ennui are pretty much all they have in common. Okay, they both have a fondness for broody distorted guitars, but Longwave put an Anglophile, early-’80s slant on, sparking suggestions of Joy Division and early U2.

Produced by the legendary Dave Fridmann of Mercury Rev fame, the early songs on The Strangest Things are overwhelmed by its dense atmosphere, brought about by an overfondness for the delay pedal and repetitive rhythms that ultimately go nowhere. Fortunately the album is also heavy on melody and harmony – but they’re in danger of being over formulaic and although their choruses tend to be strong, their lyrics lack originality. Also, song titles such as ‘Tidal Wave’ and ‘Day Sleeper’ don’t exactly burst with originality.

However, there is a sudden burst of dynamism in the latter half, with standout tracks like ‘All Sewn Up’ and ‘Exit’ almost rescuing the album from its unfortunate paucity of ideas. Almost but not quite. Accomplished, but lacking a certain vitality, perhaps just a gripping sense of uncertainty.