The rhythms of the new Robber Robber are hypnotic. This is alt-pop that's clearly drawing inspiration from Krautrock, as well as Eighties funk. And the results on the group's new record, Two Wheels Move the Soul are infectious.
"Avalanche Sound Effect" is complex, rhythmic hooks and cooed vocals from Nina Cates anchoring the cut, while opener "The Sound It Made" pops like something from Death in Vegas or another Brit group from a few years back. That Robber Robber are from Vermont is sorta surpising; these grooves sound like those from NYC in the Nineties or something.
The sinuous "New Year's Eve" is a nice showcase for all four band members, with Zack James' drums pounding behind Nina's voice, and atop bass from Carney Hemler and guitar from Will Krulak. It's a subtle sort of funk, closer to the art-rock of bands like Luscious Jackson (the early stuff), and even Talking Heads than lots of what else is out there at the moment. "Watch for Infection" is discordant and menacing, the pop-and-roll of the best stuff here subsumed in an engaging malaise.
Robber Robber are a tight band. Everything on this brief record is a little bit thrilling, offering proof of some variety in the wilds of American indie. If you appreciate the risk-taking of Dehd, you'll likely find Two Wheels Move the Soul up your alley.
Two Wheels Move the Soul by Robber Robber is out now on Fire Talk. Details below.
[Photo: Jackie Freeman]