One Little Indian, released 29/09/2008.

France has given us a lot over the years. Daft Punk. The Teenagers. Errrrrmmmm……baguettes. All sorts. Underground Railroad’s second album is the latest offering to leave Gallic shores (actually, it was recorded in Seattle, but I don’t know what their shores are called). (Sorry).

A three piece featuring dual lead vocals and a drummer on backing vox (always a good sign), this band’s second album is – well, it’s pretty good, it’s just also a little bit strange. “Poems For Freaks” sets things off with a droney atmosphere reminiscent of their fellow Undergrounders the Velvets, while “Sticks and Stones” is anthemic, power indie rock with an urgency missing from many other current bands. “25” is a fabulous groovy track with a verse jangle and a simple sing-a-long chorus. After that, though, the tunes begin to get a little bit less memorable and the styles get a bit more mixed up. There’s a little bit of Duke Spirit (“Stuff In Your Pocket”), some jaunty, slightly cutesy indie pop (“Six Pieds Sous Terre”) and some purposefully screechy guitar noise (“NYC”, “New Variety”).

It’s ambition is brave, and it’s tunes are always basically good, and we could sit here all day and say how refreshing it is to hear some indie music that has a bit of guts and grime in a world where careerist Kooks produce music that is a bit too polished. We can award the points for credibility while still wondering quite what it is that Underground Railroad are trying to be. Maybe they’re stylistic chameleons, maybe they’re forging new paths in music. Maybe they need an extra couple of knock out tunes. Probably all three. Rather like fellow countrymen The Teenagers, in fact, it’s actually slightly twisted rock, music that sounds like it’s trying to imitate its influences, to act a part. And on that score it’s a success. Thankfully, it’s a tuneful and passionate one too.

Posted In Album Reviews, Oct 17 2008. Words - Martin