So who’s your favourite anglo-German accordion-based lo-fi band then?
The Wooden Dresses fit the above criteria, and by means of an introduction they’ve unleashed an eponymously titled eight track debut with more range. The release commences with a couple of pleasantly ominous, simple mid-tempo laments, with timid, forlorn vocals, and a fair bit more accordion than your average band. In particular, ‘Stumbling On’ has an instant charm, with a classic country element shining through towards the end. Two songs in and you’re summing up that you have a sweet release here.
Just when you think you’re getting the measure of the The Wooden Dresses, ‘Windows’ obliterates all of those cutesy, 'let me meet your parents' intentions by sitting on the bed, spreading their collective legs and providing a largely spoken, stripped down Europop with filth at it’s very core. Dirty in a Bjork way. The instrumental ‘Breathing Blues’ passes by nicely and leads into the wholesome ‘Bright Phoebus.’
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As for the accordion that takes the lead backing role (if that’s not an oxymoron?), the best compliment I can pay it is that no sea-shanty allegories sprang to mind. On the cheekily titled ‘Tiny Snatch’ (it’s in reference to daylight, of course), Lyndsey Cockwell’s vocals are left alone with Tanja Buttenborg’s accordion, resulting in a song that sticks in your head long after the CD finishes.
All in all, a cheery, simple but effective collection. And now I have a favourite anglo-german accordion-based lo-fi band. Sweet.
The Wooden Dresses on Myspace
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