Catch

CD Cover The Dirtmitts
Independent Cassette

Review by Rodney Gitzel



45-second excerpt from "In Between" (various formats)


The Dirtmitts are definitely part of the seeming wave of bands in Vancouver with doubled-up girl vocals and chunk-chunk-chunk-chunk guitars. Not that that's a bad thing: I quite like this sound (though I'm not quite at all sure why that doesn't make me a big Veruca Salt fan).

This is a good tape. Side one is more Catherine Wheel-ish, a little more oblique, while side two is more straight rockish, hinting at Sugar at times. The songs are typically either moody or peppy, and most are successful. "In Between" (moody - and driving) is the best track, with "Wee Turtles" (moody, with nice harmonies) and "Trampoline Jerk" (way peppy) next in line. "Luscious Burgers to Go" (peppy - and I don't know what the title means, either) is the only one I don't really see the point of.

Beyond the songs, the vocals are the most appealing part of the Dirtmitts. Good wide range, with an endearing high-end that squeals rather than whines. It seems that sometimes guitarist Natasha Thirsk doubles her own vocals, and sometimes bassist Jen Deon takes that on. Either way, it's an effect used the whole way through -- which is fine with me. It's a cool sound.


Artist Contact Info: c/o 71 N. Warwick Ave., Burnaby, B.C., Canada, V5B 1K8




First published in Drop-D Magazine on October 31, 1997

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