In this writer's humble opinion, the fact The Datsuns' recent second album has met with a critical reaction best described as 'muted' speaks volumes where garage rock's stock is concerned. Eighteen months back, the press were eating, drinking and excreting this stuff, whereas now the media's gone all funny and embarrassed about it and, er, moved on. I think that's the term.
THE NEEDLES, though, while certainly broadly trading in infectiously exciting garage-y rock, will probably avoid a similar fate. Partly, yes, because of their not-particularly-wanted association with the Glasgow scene that's produced Dogs Die In Hot Cars and Franz 'everywhere' Ferdinand, but - crucially - because their stoked and enjoyable power pop is cut from classic cloth, features songwriting strength in depth and never really goes outta fashion whatever the begrudgers may say.
If you read about The Needles' previous "Under The City" Ep here you'll have an idea what to expect, and the "1,2,3...5!" EP (Ep number six, I think?) is again a ramalama treat with enough cerebrality to keep it interesting. The opening, party-fuelled title track reminds of producer John Cornfield's famous charges Supergrass (even down to the wigged-out theremin that circles like a thirsty vulture as it did on "Richard III"), while both "Panic On Easy Street" and the closing blast of "The Hurt" induce pogo-frenzy in even the thinking man, such are their infectious, well-crafted charms. The Motown basslines, clipped guitar solos and Dave Dixon's Elvis Costello-drenched vox on the former are especially enjoyable and none of these songs can really miss their targets.
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It's "Beautiful Dream" that will turn a few heads, though. Topped and tailed in a curiously pretty, narcotic Phil Spector haze, it's all teen dreams, Prom queens and dislocated hurt, caressed by tinkly vibes and a 50s feel that sounds curiously contemporary. In the great "where the fuck did that come from?" stakes, this is quite a dark horse and shows The Needles have real musicianship and straitjacket-bursting ambition secreted about their collective persona. More please.
The Datsuns (and hopefully The friggin' Darkness) conk out while The Needles sharpen up and thrive then? It would seem like an outcome that's just at the moment at least.
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