The lead track on the new EP from BODEGA is "Shiny New Model" and, dammit, if the song isn't just the best sort of indie-pop single I've heard since "Neptune Ave." from Sammy. Now, if I had to go back to 1996 for a point of comparison for this one that shouldn't scare you off of what's here. Rather, it should indicate how wonderful some of this new EP, out on What's Your Rupture? on Friday, is. The Brooklyn band have made something that feels hip and fun, and very much like indie-rock from the Clinton years (in spots). And there's no shame in that, is there?
"Secrets of the Ancient World" sounds like a peppier Parquet Courts, while the angular "No Vanguard Revival" roars like any number of bands who've taken equal cues from The Fall and Television. Elsewhere, "Knife on the Platter" made me think a tiny bit of early recordings from Priests, though this is a bit more accessible. BODEGA make art rock that sacrifices none of its danger by being tuneful. There are two versions of "Truth is Not Punishment" here on Shiny New Model, and while the shorter one echoes Jonathan Richman and Richard Hell, the longer offering sees the cut expanded into something that owes a huge debt to Lou Reed, specifically the albums he made with Robert Quine.
This is all bright, spindly stuff, dashes of post-punk whipped up into a sleek frenzy. BODEGA, most importantly, sound enthusiastic about this kind of thing, and their embrace of these forms is in itself an encouraging sign in these cynical, detached days.
Shiny New Model is out on Friday via What's Your Rupture?.
More details on BODEGA via the official website, or the official Facebook page.
[Photo: Kirsten Kay Thoen]