Communique No.9

Sportique continues with pop-sprinkled post-punk on Communiqué No. 9. Where Modern Museums gave listeners angular tracks in a short time, Communiqué No. 9 drives along at a quicker pace, but still in the vein of late-'70s/early-'80s groups such as Wire, the Fall, and Gang of Four. In the 17 and a half minutes that make up Communiqué No. 9, the record starts out a tad flat with midtempo driving bass and guitar. The last half picks up the pace, with the Buzzcocks-sounding track "Other Peoples' Girlfriends" and the punchy, dub-like title cut. A highlight of the record is a wide, creeping tune called "Tips for Artists Who Want to Sell Records." As the name suggests, the track is a satirical little piece commenting on scenester groups that pose to get on a label. Keyboards definitely add depth to the record, an element that hints at the more modern indie feel of Deerhoof, which looks to some of the same influences. Sportique offers up an appropriately energetic post-punk pop record with Communiqué No. 9.