A quick trip to The Peryls' myspace will inform you that this band ‘trade in a brand of creaky, sinister pop...dark, lyrical and enchanting'. Rather an accurate definition, even if they do say so themselves. On this EP of only four songs, there is much to like, but it may be something on an acquired taste for those who don't like kooky quacked-up left-of-the-beat jiggy-pop.
The music achieves the band's aim, being very simple, relaxing and unexciting - not necessarily a criticism. However, that does mean there is not much to listen to. The off-beat accordion-style rhythm of ‘Bad Medicine' props up the song well, with well balanced percussive nuances and the odd swell of a cello line, but the whole thing washes over the listener, without leaving a mark. The monologue style of the lyrics do much the same.
They apply their sparse style best to the last song: 'Iron Man'. This stands out as a well poised serenade to solitude. All the instruments blend together well, supporting the vocal melody and playing off against it to create a more complex piece, creating a more powerful sentiment with a concise accusation at the effects of loneliness.
All in all, this is a perfectly average record. It doesn't really do anything for or to you. Good pop should attract your attention, which this does not. They are far off from writing good pop if they concentrate on the texture of the songs and not the whimsical bent in their lyrics. Best listened to in a waistcoat.
3 stars out of five
