SG0702 | 2-track 7" single + 3-track download | April 2007
Reviews:
They've come a long way since I first saw them many moons ago. London based Remodels debut single was recently released on Sad Gnome Records. It features a tune that is almost their signature tune 'British Racing Green' and 'That Obscure Subject Called Desire'.
The first track opens up with a deep baseline that slowly progresses with drum and guitar. It's a delightfully punchy sound that is complimented by crisp clear vocals (provided by Leigh Swinn). The level of the vocal in this number would be best compared to The Rakes. With catchy lyrics discussing the delights of getting away from it all in a British Racing Green car! It then builds up to a frantic finish with a frenetic drumbeat and racing guitars. A fine example of Indie music on offer by Remodel.
The second A-side shows the diversity of the band with a different sound that reminds me more of northeastern bands. This however does not mean it differs in the punchy sound that 'British Racing Green' does. With slick lyrics and a catchy guitar riff its one that's been on my favourite play list recently.
I was really impressed by this and despite receiving the vinyl free I popped on to Itunes and purchased the mp3's of the songs. Well worth a listen (check out their myspace) and bob on to itunes to listen to and perhaps purchase a fine piece of Indie pop.
Dom Chalk
Proverbiale pop band "nel senso in cui lo sono gli Who o i Blur", i londinesi (ma nati a Salopia) Remodel rimarcano le virtù della chitarra e dell'alto volume degli amplificatori. Di conseguenza la loro "British Racing Green" è pop/rock aggressivo e rapido come si conviene alle giovani band d'Albione, mancando però la tendenza modaiola ai riff "facili" che le contraddistingue ed anzi zeppa di twists e sorprese. Non proprio fuori dagli schemi ed abbastanza evidentemente costruito a partire da una resa live non totalmente riprodotta in studio, è tuttavia sufficientemente personale e di carattere da far perdonare l'assenza di un hook adeguato e la dedica all'ambito automobilistico (dei 50/60, che fa più fico).
Interessanti sviluppi trasversali sono esibiti dalla b-side "That obscure subject called desire", pop luminescente di grande semplicità ed altrettanto grande effetto, costruito su poche e precise pennate ed un impianto jangly ben inserito nella base ritmica e saggiamente contenuto entro i due minuti di orologio. Alla fine le due band citate in apertura sembrano – insoieme ai Jam - le più adatte ad approssimare i due volti della band.
Così acerbi che è impossibile fare previsioni, ma i pezzi su myspace esibiscono una selvatica vena pop che potrebbe riservare soddisfazioni. Se Sad Gnome (sinora l'etichetta degli Indelicates e nessun altro) ha scommesso su di loro forse possiamo fidarci.
Salvatore, Indiepop.it [review | website]
Den gleichen Song unter zwei verschiedenen Titeln veröffentlichen Remodel mit dieser Doppel-A-Seite. Auch wenn wahrscheinlich eher unbeabsichtigt, sind die Unterschiede zwischen "British Racing Queen" und "That Obscure Subject Called Desire" so groß nicht. Zweimal Indierock, zweimal trockene Gitarren, zweimal ein ähnliches Tempo und auch die Melodielinien wirken ein wenig wie schlecht abgeguckt. Als ob hinter der Hand des fiesen Schulbanknachbarn nur die Hälfte zu sehen war und man sich den Rest zusammengereimt hat. Auch aus einer solchen Bredouille entsteht mitunter eine ganz eigene kreative Leistung. Auf CD gebrannt könnten die beiden Songs dann sogar als einer durchgehen - und zwar wahrlich nicht als einer der schlechtesten. (6/10)
Andreas Zagelow, soundmag.de [review | website]
I typically don't fall for the double A-sided single concept - singles are naturally meant to have an A-side and a b-side (and whether the band contributes a solid song or a throwaway on the b-side is up to them). This record is one of many double A-sided singles I've seen, but they actually provided an alternate sleeve design for each side, so I guess that were it not for the A/AA markings on the record's label, either side is worthy to be considered the lead track. The music itself is mod-inspired pop in the vein of Sportique and the Higher Elevations, with a pair of energetic and catchy songs. I don't know much else about this London band - most importantly, how I can hear more from them), but I'd certainly love to!
Chris McFarlane, IndiePages [review | website]
Remodel | British Racing Green / That Obscure Subject Called Desire