A solid indie-rock outing, QUIPS hit most of the right buttons with their sophomore album, "Take Two". But that less-than-memorable album title bodes poorly for "classic" status. The melodic shamble of tracks like "Coming Along" brings to mind the raw hummability of KINGS OF LEON with the pop instincts of NADA SURF. But the somewhat monochrome and unfinished-sounding "Laray" should have been fleshed out more, and more risks overall would have helped this effort make a more lasting impression. Perhaps a good breakup would deliver enough angst to fuel more driving material in the future. Maybe it's just my 90s nostalgia, but some distorted generational despair would add some needed edge to the affair.

The unintelligible, post-grunge grumble of "Lady Powerline" is legitimately affecting, and there are enough sparks throughout to suggest the possibility of evolution into something truly great. The band do experiment with samplers at points, without impinging on the raw, garage vibe maintained throughout. Fans of DINOSAUR JR, SUPERCHUNK, early AFGHAN WHIGS and other purveyors of melodic indie integrity will find much of value here, and hopefully by "Take Three" QUIPS will be able to break beyond their influences to make a sizable impact of their own.

- Shragge

OFFICIAL SITE: myspace.com/quipsrock

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