SD City Beat "Great Demo Review"

the, now infamous, Great Demo Review '08 occurred yesterday in CityBeats across San Diego county. if you remember last year, they were hilarious and harsh, sparking much anger, criticism, and controversy. this year, well, check it out here.

i feel that the reviews this year lacked the funny witticism that made them so enjoyable to read last year, and seem more to just be an exercise in saying "i hate it" 20 different ways. but hey, at least they're taking note of various local and unheard of bands (if only to say "stop trying")

the modlins?

The Modlins describe themselves as being an “oldies influenced indie-pop band” which is apparently 2008 code for “power-pop.” Perhaps a mellower version of early Weezer or Fountains of Wayne would be a more appropriate description. The songs are bouncy with a definite ’50s-rock influence, but they bring enough originality to the table to avoid sounding completely retro-derivative. Overall, kinda predictable. But if the perfectly structured three-minute pop song is what floats your boat, The Modlins make an adequate river, ocean or stream. MS/themodlins—Dryw Keltz

so basically we shouldn't call ourselves oldies influenced, even though there is a "definite 50s rock influence." we also are predictable but original. noted. all in all, a positive review. We love and are pop music and apparently we like bodies of water.

also, huge props to Cosmo Speedway for scoring the ExtraSpecialGood (and Vision of A Dying World, but i think most of San Diego knows how awesome they are)

Cosmo Speedway
Evolution of the Bicycle
OK, friends, I think we have something here. This is a fun, poppy album full of little jumps, blips, glitches and various electro noises apparently inspired by the original Nintendo game system. The lyrics are sometimes upbeat stream-of-consciousness, sometimes absurdist while the beautiful vocals blend well with the unobtrusive synth beats. The acoustic guitar and piano ballads make for nice interludes between songs on the rest of album, while the last track, “Say What You Mean,” is particularly lovely. Overall, it’s a solid record from start to finish. I don’t know much about the evolution of the bicycle, but I do know that I’d happily ride mine to see these guys play. MS/cosmospeedway —Jason Bow

we were on the Spanish Archer Compilation with these guys, and we can safely say we were very impressed back then. though i got the impression these guys (guy?) don't play out much, just love making music. sweet to see them get some local recognition.