Eaten by Monsters is a duo out of London that has released their second EP, Scaring the Pets. It’s got me a bit perplexed… and that’s a good thing. I like being jarred a little by music. It gets quite boring listening to the same jingle jangle indiecrap all the time. You know I’m not really an indie girl anyway. Well, this EP really is an indie record, it’s got that hollow drum beat, that meager guitar strumming, a bit of cymbal clashing here and there, and lovelorn lyrics. What Scaring the Pets doesn’t have is that spineless whimpering vocal and nearly soul crushing whining that you get with songs about sexual hangups and kissing your friends, awkward interpersonal moments, and the inevitable mishaps which ensue. So “indie without the indie” is how I might categorize this unique EP.
You see, Eaten by Monsters gives us four strong songs to think about, spit out from the mouth of Tom Hazledine in a snarly, Art Brut-ish sort of way. Nope, I confess, I don’t care much for Art Brut. In fact that band is my current whipping boy for all that is wrong with indie pop music. It’s false and put on and Eddie Argos’ exaggeratedly accented “singing” is turning a generation of musicians’ heads in an altogether wrong direction. Add to that absolutely ridiculous lyrics with all too obvious hooks (how many Replacements songs have 20 somethings downloaded due to that stupid song?) Maybe that’s why I hate on Art Brut. They’re giving the Replacements such a backhanded compliment and the ‘Mats deserve so much more from so much better.
But we were discussing Eaten by Monsters, weren’t we?!? Yes, you might feel an affinity between Eddie Argos and this singer. I hope you do not, though. It’s quite insulting to even mention that band next to Eaten by Monsters and I’m already sorry I’ve put that thought into your head. So Tom and Andy, forgive me please! You should know that I love your EP. I liked it at first listen, smiled a whole lot at second and third listen, and by fourth listen… well, it was love.
Darling readers, hear this EP. Pay attention to the wonderful rise and fall in the opening track, “Bedroom Nerves” and once you hear the way that drum beat accentuates the phrasing of that interesting voice I think you’ll like this as much as I do. The violins on track two set you up for some real sweet lyrics. It’s not exactly what you get, however, and I love those dark twists so much. “So Sorry” and the brilliant “Let The Dischord Carry You Home” round out this EP, but not before my favorite track, ”Friends Who Kiss” Is it true that “friends who kiss are not friends at all?” I have to say, that’s a question that’s worth asking.
buy Scaring the Pets here
you love it and Toad loves it. I’ll give it pass marks….
It’s a grower, but damn if I’m not still listening to it!
JC – I haven’t reviewed it yet. I think I’m inbetween the two of you. I like it, but there will be some criticism to be found in my review – hopefully all constructive. Bedroom Nerves is a cracking song, though.
yes it is! I had a difficult time picking a track to love.