Cryptooology

Yowie take their name from the legendary Australian version of Bigfoot and on their debut, Cryptooology, they do a good job of, if not approximating the sound of the furry fellow, providing a soundtrack for one. The twin guitar and drum lineup lumber along spitting a constant stream of warbling, splintered fretwork over stern, taught drums. As hyper as the proceedings are, in the end Yowie sound like distant relatives of the Ruins. or a nervous instrumental approximation of labelmates U.S. Maple. Unlike their elder brothers though, Yowie's songs, all featuring girls names starting with "T" ("Trina," "Tamika," and "Tara" start things off) are far more indebted to the tuneless tunefulness of no wavers like DNA and Mars. There isn't much variety from track to track, but clocking in at just under 30 minutes Cryptooology is a pleasant debut that won't overstay its welcome.