11. Autolux – Pussy’s Dead

If Autolux have a fault, it’s that they sometimes seem to be trying a bit too hard. What could be a great three-minute wonder often gets needlessly stretched to four or five.

The craft that goes into the experimental L.A. trio’s albums, which seem to be a once-in-six-years occurrence, is commendable, but can leave them feeling a little overworked. I found that when I first heard their 2004 album ‘Future Perfect’, it sounded great, but I haven’t returned to it much since. I have a feeling it may be the same case with ‘Pussy’s Dead’. It feels like the opposite of a grower – a shrinker?

In its defence, Eugene Goreshter’s pleasantly out of key cooing of “it’s so sad to be happy all the time” is a highlight on opener ‘Selectallcopy’, as are the abrasive, raspy guitars on ‘Reappearing’ and ‘Becker’. It’s another solid record from a band who like to do things their own way, but a little spontaneity wouldn’t go amiss.

John Murray



