Album Details

• Artist: Bone
• EP:
The Teepee Ep
• Label: http://bonemusic.bandcamp.com
• Year of Release: 2011
• ME Rating:
• Reviewed by: patchen on 2011-03-07

This Irish duo, bone by name, plays melodic, mellow, slightly stiff power pop, but with a slightly off-center personality. Like Hole without the dementia, the five songs on "the teepee ep" hinge upon abstract lyrics that manage to be sinister and uplifting. Still, while the melodies are beautiful and simple and the vocals laconic but passionate, something is missing that would have made this a more satisfying set.

"beautiful blue car" leads things off, and here Geri's vocals are at their most Courtney-esque. Despite that distraction, this is the best song on the record, its fuzzy distorted guitar managing to maintain a sweet melody and give off substantial heat.  Mike's vocal turn on "nightingale and rose" is perfect for this dark carnival of swirling atmospherics and blurry drums.

Unfortunately, the final three tracks follow a similar pattern that is more monotony than theme. Light acoustic ambience, echoing vocals repeating a few phrases over and over; these songs never leave point A, and point A is not compelling to begin with.  "i will follow my star" is one of the most morose supposedly uplifting song you're likely to hear, and if you do, you will hear it only once.

Also, what's with the all lowercase stuff? That is a good only if you are in your dark poet phase in high school or you want to escape notice. Bands ought not to want either. bone show many appealing sides on this short release. Clearly, stark and driving compositions are their forte; the evidence on "the teepee ep"   shows that there is a ways to go on lyrics and range of topics. Vocals that are flat and disinterested work when the music or writing has power or at least attitude. bone needs both. 

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