Rating:
Genre:
Rock
Release Date: 08/10/1999
Run Time: 44:37
On
East River Pipe's
The Gasoline Age, the lo-fi ethic is crated into exquisite, lush mood music. The processed, goofy, and emotional lyrics of
"Shiny, Shiny Pimpmobile" and
"Hell Is an Open Door," the two songs which open the album, are indicative of the theme and tone to follow over the next 11 songs. The result is a syrupy, sad concept album revolving around cars. The production takes away any rough edges. Jangling guitars and keyboards intertwine in the mix to the point where every instrument chimes like a bell.
"Cybercar" is quite touching; it sees
F.M. Cornog's less ornate side take over, as the track evokes a minimal feel when compared to most of the remainder of the album. With a song like this, the chief question is how
Cornog can get away with such hopelessly cheesy lyrics as "stay with me/my cybercar." Perhaps it's the emotionally brittle style of the vocals and music, as the guitars create the sort of chilled, pristine atmosphere in which
New Order once operated. Some listeners will perhaps take issue with the often tacky lyrics, as songs like
"Party Drive" and
"Shiny, Shiny Pimpmobile" contain verbal play at odds with the musical textures. The effect is such that the vocals distract too much from the feel of the songs, almost to the point where one dreads having to hear the catchphrase-worthy choruses more than once. This is not to suggest that the lyrics aren't interesting, but there are awkward, near cringe-worthy, lyrics cropping up on some of the songs.
"King of Nothing Never" sees
East River Pipe operating in a more subtle mode, sounding altogether like an elaborate
Galaxie 500 tribute band.
"14th Street Boys Stolen Car Club" brings to mind
Kraftwerk and
Giorgio Moroder, but the track is perhaps more synth-heavy than the rest of the album. The best songs seem to be
"Cybercar," "King of Nothing Forever," and
"Astrofarm." On those tracks, as well a as handful of others,
East River Pipe gets right the mix of elaborate ornamental flourishes and subtle, moody lyrics.
The Gasoline Age is a fine lo-fi mood piece.
~Tim DiGravina, All Music Guide
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