Breech "Tarnish And Undress" (Nu Records 2008)

Once more into the breech...

There is no easy way to make a record these days it seems, and these LA indie rockers are testament to that. Not only was the lead singer and heartbeat of Breech, Missy Gibson, barely able to make the studio with acute morning sickness the bassist left for Sweden to be a reindeer farmer and just as they somehow finished the bloomin’ thing the drummer declares his devotion to Kabbalah. That a record finally emerged from the turmoil is worth celebrating. That it’s a decent enough slab of emotive pop rock is a relief. Although Gibson has a voice that somehow doesn’t quite fit the formula it is strangely all the more interesting because of it. The playing is clean and pristine although harbours an underlying intent, the band rocking without ever really rolling, and at times, as on “Unrequited,” sounding like some eighties power goth troupe. And this is record he quite likes? I can hear you. I like it because every now and then all the pieces of the puzzle fall together in union as on the fiery “Girl In A Mess” and the standout “Keeper Of The Key.” Here Gibson is in complete control, her domineering presence and forceful posturing drawing likeminded vitriol from the band propelling them close to their limits. It works, well for me in any case. Not everything sadly has the same impact and as a whole it’s a record I can see being merely a passing stranger to the CD player.

Date review added:  Wednesday, July 02, 2008
Reviewer:  Del Day
Reviewers Rating:
Related web link:  Artist site