Les Savy Fav - Inches

Genre rock Publisher French Kiss External Links Les Savy Fav

Before Les Savy Fav had even visited a recording studio, the band designed Inches' cover art and broke it into nine parts - each to be released as sets of two, each on a different label, and each printed only on 7"s as singles, until now. Les Savy Fav compiled this album for everyone who hasn't been receiving the records as they've been recorded and printed. Though the sonic quality is different on a CD, this compilation gives the listener a great nine-year summary of the band's existence in reverse chronological order.

Les Savy Fav began playing in an edgy, post D.C. hardcore, art punk style very similar to that of Fugazi. By mixing electrified beats, discordant, atonal and distorted guitar tracks, they defied popular music theory and truly carved their own path. Inches defines their growth as musicians; just listen and compare the first track, "Meet Me in the Dollar Bin" to the last track, "Rodeo". It isn't just their sound that sets them apart either, it's their style and do-it-yourself attitude. Tim Harrington, the lead vocalist, is an older, overweight man who runs the label that puts out most of their music, French Kiss Records. The howling of Harrington is enough to make your ears bleed at times while he struggles to get out lyrics; meanwhile the guitar of Seth Jabour keeps your fingers tapping, hips shaking, holding you for track after track of brilliant musicianship.

Some of the tracks are toned down quite a bit which give Harrington a little time to show his listeners how he sings when he's not screaming. "Fading Vibes" and "Hello Halo, Goodbye Glands" sound more like a cross between Cursive and Interpol though they give your ears a much needed rest from the climatic tracks. "Knowing How the World Works" is a great anthem that, while listening to it, you'll find yourself throwing your fist in the air and repeating Harrington's vocals, while a steady upbeat is kept on the drums and a grooving guitar bursts through a mix of chord movements, harmonics, and one note repetitions.

All in all, this is a brilliant compilation that anyone who's into Fugazi or Cursive should throw into their play list. Even if you've never heard of Les Savy Fav until now, just listening to this compilation will give you a great depth of knowledge about the band; enough to even fool someone who's been following the band for years.

Note: Those fortunate enough will also find a bonus DVD included with some copies.