After a slew of singles that won praise for their smoky
and sweet feelings of Jesus and Mary Chain/Mazzy Star strung-out
psych-and-bliss late-night atmosphere, Drugstore went ahead and created an
album that lived up to those expectations. But that's a too simplistic
comparison in some ways, thanks largely to the inspired singing from bassist
Isabel Monteiro. A just-confrontational-enough character in interviews, that
quality carries over to her recorded work as well, able to hit aggressive
points more than Hope Sandoval ever could and unafraid of not always being cool
like the Reid brothers. No trace of her Brazilian accent surfaces; if anything
she sounds like she could be a cross between Patsy Cline and Marianne
Faithfull, with all the ability and control that implies. Consider
"Alive" as a particularly fine example, her simple conclusion of
"I am burning" suiting the circular feedback loop and hint of violin
that concludes the track or the low-key backing vocals overdubs on the hushed
"Saturday Sunset." As a group, Drugstore clearly has its
inspirations, but the result is thoroughly attractive while retaining a strong
sense of individual drama. Guitarist/keyboardist Daron Robinson knows how to
crank it up and keep it calm, and while it becomes something of a formula by
the end of the disc, it still works very well. Call it a sense of loud/soft
dynamics in a different setting, rather than repeating the obvious
Pixies/Nirvana conclusions so many other '90s bands ground into the dust.
"Favourite Sinner" is a fantastic example of same; with a soft sense
of building threat as Chris Isaak-styled reverb twang turns into a slow burning
feedback frazz and retreating again before an abrupt ending. "Solitary
Party Groover" and the wonderful "Starcrossed" received the most
attention due to their appearance as singles, but this whole album is an
excellent, quietly enveloping treat.
