Agnes Uncaged – Cyanotype
Not exactly Americana-Roots but this opens with a tight groove on “Paperdoll” with some grungy guitars, galloping drums & a borderline murky production. But that’s generally what’s expected of this genre – no pristine acoustics or complicated arrangement. Lead vocalist Julia Eubanks has a nice ethereal voice – not quite Kate Bush but closer to say, Julee Cruise. This isn’t punk, or even New Wave – it’s a conglomeration of progressive rock diced with garage rock & its wool-cotton application of pure unadulterated rock n’ roll (“Capricorn”). It almost approaches the direction of the ‘60s rock band The Castaways with songs like “Liar Liar,” & “Sam.” That’s what resonated in my moldy brain.
Agnes Uncaged music does register with many comparisons. There are hints of Siouxsie & the Banshees, but not every tune. “Philosophy Test” unravels with a guitar-heavy B-52’s quirkiness. What Julia doesn’t possess (as of yet), but could, is the creativity & distinctiveness that was once in possession of Pal Shazar of Slow Children (“Spring In Fialta,” “President Am I”).
The band composed & performed their 10 songs as Agnes Uncaged. Cyanotype (Drops Jan 23/Independent/40:59) that was produced by John Agnello (Sonic Youth/Dinosaur Jr) & though the album is not without its faults, it’s not without its melodic & dynamic charms either. A really cool, sonically embellished tune with an arrangement: “Picture/Diver.” “Sinkhole” comes on strong with a similar drive.
“Picture/Diver” has a blending of guitar sounds, cymbal swishes, drum bashing & Julia’s finest vocal approach. A near whisper in a Sinead O’Connor flavor tickled with the craziness of Nina Hagen & Michigan’s Lene Lovich. Maybe not as intense as those ladies, but threads of that kinship are woven throughout. It’s a haunting piece constructed with skill & quite likable.
So, basically, what’s percolating is an interesting musical exploration. It’s tempting to get carried away in this genre & get a little too intense, spacey, or valium induced. The band manages to negotiate that narrow ledge better than most. They project the wilds of many aforementioned bands, & now I’m tempted to throw in Robin Lane & the Chartbusters (“When Things Go Wrong”).
Julia has a lot of potential. Her voice has a presence. I like the fills drummer Jack Malone tosses in during “Garbage Truck,” & this is one of their strongest songs. “Charlie” is a bit of a snoozer. “Boy Song” is spiced with ‘60s girl group “sources” just short of Blondie/The Shangri-Las. “Rabbit” has a nice groove. Its appeal is its retro ‘70s new wave-pop melody lines – but it arrives at that junction not knowing which way to turn.
You know what’s really great? They sound like young people who are having a great time creating music. And you can hear it.
Highlights – “Paperdoll,” “Capricorn,” “Philosophy Test,” “Picture/Diver,” “Garbage Truck,” “Sinkhole,” & “Skin.”
Musicians – Julia Eubanks (vocals/guitar), Esme Eubanks (bass), Jack Malone (drums), Cole Benson (guitar) & Harry Miles (additional guitar).
Color image courtesy of Simon Redstone. CD @ https://www.agnesuncaged.com/about