Sunday, June 08, 2008
A+E, Music, Reviews

THE BREEDERS

“MOUNTAIN BATTLES”  (4AD)  

A single song, even one as terrific as the Breeders’ 1993 alternative hit “Cannonball,” does not a career make. Neither does releasing albums approximately twice a decade. Perhaps inspired by the near-fanatical reaction to the reformation of her original band the Pixies, bassist and vocalist Kim Deal revives the on- and mostly off-again Breeders for a new studio release, only the group’s fourth in 18 years.
 
As usual, it’s a mixed bag. For every sharp indie rocker such as the opening, riffy “Overglazed,” there’s an experimental, wispy and murky opposite like the closing title tune. Sandwiched in-between is a Spanish-language folk-styled oddity (“Regalame Esta Noche”), dreamy, ominous funk (“Istanbul”) and rocking, “Cannonball”-styled edgy pop (“German Studies” and “It’s the Love,” a Tasties song and the album’s only cover). Nearly everything is under three minutes, so if one vibe isn’t to your liking, there’s another just around the corner.

While there is a sense of throwing styles at the wall to see what sticks, the fiercely independent stance is commendable, if scattered. It’s clear that Kim and sister Kelly are doing what they want, unconcerned with either audience expectations or sales. Kim’s classy, girlish vocals are both defiant and vulnerable, but in the case of the slow waltz “We’re Gonna Rise,” they seem to be searching for a melody in the moody groove.

Existing fans who relish anything new from this intermittent outfit may be satisfied, but newcomers aren’t likely to be enticed by the Breeders’ stubbornly diverse impulses. 2.5 STARS—Hal Horowitz