Look Mexico
Gasp Asp
Lujo/Tiny Engines Records
6/10
Look Mexico hasn’t exactly stayed with one consistent sound throughout their previous releases, with indie influences running the gamut, but Gasp Asp hints at consistency. They’ve had a line-up change in the bass and keyboard department, and this has obviously affected their sound. The four-song EP stays within the same musical realm throughout the album and possibly means a solid sound from Look Mexico from now on. Thing is that consistent sound is rather boring and fit for MTV’s Campus Invasion tour – but hey, maybe that’s your cup of tea.
They previously played a unique, mostly laid back and heavily instrumental style that pulls from indie groups like Modest Mouse, Sunny Day Real Estate, and American Football. Throughout Gasp Asp, Look Mexico has sped things up a bit and the new bass is rather quick and jazzy, intertwined with some nice impressive scale exploration on the guitar’s part. The sound tends to hint at both Fall of Troy-esque prog-rock and post-punk emo, but doesn’t take the full plunge into either, leaving you feeling a bit empty and wanting more of either one. While there were sporadic vocals on previous releases, Gasp Asp features consistent and slightly improved (but still pretty whiny) vocals from Matt Agrella that might be pinned on MAE or any recent college sensation. It all makes for a different, more fast-paced, while still smooth, listen. They’ve generally stayed in that indie/easy listening vein and maintained their smooth catchy rhythms, but Gasp Asp teeters on that boring college rock edge more than previous releases The Crucial Collection and This is Animal Music. This EP has received a lot of praise as the band has tightened their sound, improved the vocals, and continued to reincarnate Sunny Day Real Estate; other reviews have failed to mention that it’s in the end, rather boring. I guess this album’s brilliance is just over my head because as far as I’m concerned, the best part about this album is the artwork. -Stephanie Thornton