Dense Waves Make Your Eyes Wider

The Candies are hard to describe and rather impossible to pigeonhole, so let's agree they play indie rock — and that they cover the whole spectrum of that genre, from trashy punk rock to post-punk and avant-garde. Hints of the Fall, the Buzzcocks, Sonic Youth, Pere Ubu, Radiohead, and tons more can be heard, although for very brief moments only. "Hiding Behind Open Space Barriers" shows not only an influence but a deep understanding of the Fall's Mark E. Smith's approach to vocals. "No Edge" starts with a plaintive off-key verse and builds into a climactic post-rockish anthem (including a Mellotron perhaps?). On the other hand, "You Fly While Driving," "Statue," and "Like Tennis Shoes" are quirky punk rockers — you know, what happens when the musicians have the youth, the attitude, the angst, but refuse to take the easy path. You might be tempted to dismiss Dense Waves Make Your Eyes Wider simply because there are so many similar albums out there, but stick with it. After a few listens the songs grow on you, and so does Giulio Calvino's voice. The album is short, not even 26 minutes long, but it packs eight good songs with no filler. It has been simultaneously released by Suiteside in Europe (the group hails from Italy but you'd swear these guys are English) and Turn in North America. ~ François Couture, Rovi