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It's unfair to give The White Stripes credit for every guitar/drum
duo that have come around in the last ten years, but when you come
across a band as good as Cleveland, Ohio's mr. Gnome we can
certainly thank god that they brought the rock duo format back into
the popular consciousness.
On their sixth release, Madness In Miniature, scheduled for
release in late October, mr. Gnome demonstrate how incredibly dense
a duo can sound. Guitar and drums pummel while Nicole Barille's
vocals help soften the edges slightly. Her layered and often distorted
vocals bring to mind the harmonies of Tegan And Sarah while
still maintaining the edge and aggression and passion of early
PJ Harvey.
mr. Gnome mix it up too, giving glimpses of psychedelia on songs
like "Bit Of Tongue". A three-and-a-half minute suite that
sounds like a 21st Century version of The Who's "A Quick
One While She's Away", jumping from acoustic to electric, changing
rhythm, and layering an array of vocal styles. Late in the record,
"Outsiders" takes mr. Gnome in a southwestern direction-a
rollicking American gothic tune with hints of mariachi sprinkled throughout.
It's a dark yet celebratory and cathartic romp.
Do not miss this record. Mr. Gnome have earned a spot in your record
collection with "Madness In Miniature".
-George Dow
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