The Touques (http://www.thetouques.com) are probably the most eclectic and quirky indie-rock band since Camper Van Beethoven. This is a band whose unpredictable moves would've made the late Frank Zappa smile in approval. At a time when every underground group is either aping Modest Mouse or the emo brigade, it's nice to hear some craziness as the Touques bring to the table here.
In all of my years of reviewing, I've never been at a loss for words. But the Touques have me scrambling for some sort of definition. Really, it's impossible. At one point, as on "Self-Imposed Paparazzi," the Touques bring back memories of Pere Ubu's David Thomas and his accordion, but then Julian Chang's vocals are reminiscent of Lloyd Cole's. However, the strange, frenzied music sounds nothing like at all like Cole but perhaps Tom Waits in a funky dance. See what I mean? Does this make any sense at all?
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But it's fun, fun, fun all of the way, especially when the college-rock riffs of "If I Could, I Would" switches directions midway through for a jazzy interlude before striking back with a psychedelic explosion. I could've sworn Zappa's spirit was in the studio for that one. It's not all craziness, though. "Twilight" and "Self-Exploding Reprise" (I love those creative song titles) are punchy alternative rock, and the title track recalls the Arcade Fire.
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