Can't Stop Moving: A Quick Review Of The Reissue Of The Debut From Guardian Singles (Ex-Vivian Girls)
What happens when one of the best labels in operation today decides to reissue something? You get a record that finally gets the attention it deserves. So here's me, in a brief review, raving about Guardian Singles by Guardian Singles. The debut from the New Zealand band, reissued this Friday via Trouble in Mind Records, is full of the sort of vigor that many other NZ bands had before, sure, but with a plucky, no-nonsense DIY energy that's been lacking in lots of indie these days.
Guardian Singles was formed by Thom Burton (singer and guitarist) and drummer Fiona Campbell a few years ago. Campbell was a Vivian Girl a few years ago and there's a faintly familiar rush here. That said, the sound of GS is utterly its own thing, despite debts heard here from past legends of the post-punk form. "Tea Lights Exploding", the opener here, bridges C86 with the rush of early Teen-Beat Records bands. Elsewhere, "Can't Stop Moving" and "Gold Plated Cars" roar, updating in their rush sounds heard in the past from The Wedding Present and Yank acts like Superchunk.
Guardian Singles imbue all of this with the kind of spark that lets every single cut here feel fresh. And while a guy like me might have fun picking and choosing where this lot's inspirations come from -- a cover of "Heartland" from The Sound is one clue -- there's more joy to be had in simply sinking into this record, and letting its verve power you up in a way you're likely not to have experienced in ages. An un-ironic embrace of past post-punk gives Guardian Singles a vibe that's just infectious.
Guardian Singles is out on Friday via Trouble in Mind Records.
More details on Guardian Singles via the band's Facebook page.
[Photo: Mason Fairey]