Silversun Pickups: Carnavas

By Chris Pacifico

Having stirred up the buzz cauldron with their sparkling Pikul EP in 2005, Silversun Pickups have sprouted their maiden long-player, and it was worth every second of the wait. Led by the elastic rasp and fuzzy guitars of front man Brian Aubert, this Los Angeles quartet churn out a bittersweet brand of melancholy, psychedelic pop that’s the perfect mixture of broodiness and sap free musicality.

“Well Though Out Twinkles” is a welcome throwback to the promise the Smashing Pumpkins showed on their 1991 debut, Gish. Aubert’s wrangling, echoing guitar infusions make Carnavas seem as if it were recorded atop a mountain in the midst of a heavy breeze. “Little Lover’s So Polite” proceeds with a cardiograph sashay and showcases bassist Nikki Monniger‘s velvet coo and drummer Christopher Guanlao‘s meandering percussion skills. “Waste It On” lilts along beautifully with elastic reverb, while “Lazy Eye” is a prime example of an ebullient and mood swinging crescendo.

Giving credit where it’s due, Carnavas also owes its shine to Dave Cooley‘s never-less-than-stellar production, which makes Carnavas not too polished but not too lo-fi either. It’s a most perfect middle ground. For bands that exhibit precise, spot-on rhythmic and instrumental dexterity, Silversun Pickups have that taken care of to the hilt.

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