Purrbot – Civil Unrest / 2006 Self / 12 Tracks / http://www.purrbot.com / http://www.fireflysessions.com / Reviewed 04 October 2006

The one thing that individuals should hear on the early tracks of “Civil Un rest” is Purrbots heavy use of the underlying distortion on a track to play against the Rufus-like vocals that come out. During songs like “Thumbtack”, Purrbot seamlessly blend inorganic and natural elements uinto one cohesive and coherent act. There are hints of radio friendly tracks on this album, but the band creates these purely on their own terms. The production is strong butt here is still some fuzziness on the far edges of each track; this minor issue is easily ignored after the band gets started.

The piano opening to “Dim White” brings Purrbot to a level of organic content that has not been reached at any other part of this disc, but there is still this meshing of elements that distinguishes them from the rest of the ends out. In this track, strides are made in creating a catchy melody that will stick with listeners for long after the track winds down. The one thing that has to be said about Purrbot that even if the act sounds like one cohesive entity, that there are four distinct personalities contributing to each song on “Civil Unrest”. The fact that all parts of the band can work together so well shows a maturity that not many bands have in this day and age. When a second voice makes an appearance on “Two Fraidy Cats”, Purrbot again shifts to allow the band to adapt. There is nothing in the way of break between the Purrbot of old and the Purrbot of “Two Fraidy Cats”.

Whatever is thrown in as a curveball is hit out of the park by the band. For individuals that are wanting a hard rocking type of indie rock, that is not what Purrbot does. There is an older, almost Cat Stevens, seventies esque sound to the act through the entirety of this disc. The folksy, almost coffee shop feel of Purrbot during “Civil Unrest” is something that a number of other acts do, but few are able to create something as cohesive as Purrbot does. I know it will not be the cup of tea for everybody, but interested parties should find a copy of this album and listen through a few times before passing judgment. I know I will be paying attention to when the band cuts a new album; you should too, as they create a solid album with their “Civil Unrest”.

Top Tracks: Rest, Two Fraidy Cats

Rating: 6.0/10

[JMcQ]