Scatological

One can be forgiven for thinking that Scatological might be something much more in a crude punk or metal vein given its title, but from the opening notes of Indian Bingo’s debut release on Independent Project Records, it’s much more clear that they have an ear for tuneful late 1980s indie rock with an ear towards the delicately melancholy post-punk side of things. A lot of this hangs on the vocals by Mike Boul, who has a tone that slightly suggests a less fraught and quavery Morrissey to a degree. Combined with the clear and direct arrangements and performances, led by guitarists Phil Carney and Bill Boyle, Scatological is often a rich experience, a kind of capturing of a sonic moment soon before grunge crushed expectations of what ‘alternative’ was supposed to be. Songs like “Separation Days” and “Pathetic Thing” showcase the group at its generally busiest, not quite rough sonically but quicker in pace and with Boul’s singing carefully situated in the mix. But it’s the slower flow of “Drowsy” and the very Smithsy feeling of “Goon Lagoon” that capture the album’s easy, engaging beauty best.