I took this CD out, put the CD is in and you have pressed play, there’s a faint ‘one, two three’ and then Modest Mouse start playing. Ok, this is in actual fact ‘Story Problem’ by The Envy Corps, but you could easily mistake the uplifting opening track, with crisp guitar twangs and a happy clappy, gospel choir sound, it is alarmingly similar and would comfortably blend into a recent Modest Mouse release, without many people even batting an eyelid.
‘Sylvia (the beekeeper)’, explores the tragic death of poet Sylvia Plath. Echoing and haunting tones recur, mirroring the topic. The guitars are sharp and tuneful, as are lyrics. The song is short with a bitter sweet edge “Died with the lights off, I heard that doesn’t hurt as much”
Throwing a curveball is the slow and a little insipid next track Rooftop. Luke Pettipole’s deep tones and thoughtful lyrics demonstrate an extra dimension to his band and their talents.
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Curveball over, final track ‘Party Dress’ sees a return to their indie sensibilities, with an underlying sound of Goo Goo Dolls meets Guillemots.
Overall The Envy Corps presents a charismatic little EP, the four songs although similar demonstrate the possibilities and promise of what could be a gem of a band. Unashamedly taking branches from many bands trees (Guillemots, Modest Mouse, Radiohead, The Doves, even a touch of older indie classiscs like The Charlatons) Like a florist; they put them together and create an appealing bouquet of sounds worthy of some attention.
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