Holland is hardly renowned for producing alternative rock bands of note, but in Canshaker Pi that could all be about to change, the Amsterdam based four-piece began to turn media heads here in the UK with the release of their Stephen Malkmus (Pavement) produced debut album and the bands tireless touring, taking in 15 countries during last year including a jaunt with Scott Kannberg's Sipral Stairs. A storming set at Eurosonic at the start of the year consolidated the band's position with the likes of DIY, Clash and Drowned In Sound all quick to offer the group plaudits, whilst further supports with the likes of Parquet Courts, Pip Bloom and The Cribs has seen the band quickly win over a new fanbase.
With the release of Canshaker Pi's second album, Naughty Naughty Violence, the band should continue to see their stock rise, the album sse's the band continue to take their cues from the the likes of the aforementioned Pavement and The Pixies whilst add a sprinkling of Ty Segall off-kilter indie, a dose of fuzzy grunge riffs and a plethora of melodic hooks to create an instantly infectious sound guaranteed to to find favour 90's alt-rock lovers the world over.
The disc opens with Pressures From Above and a fabulously wonky lo-fi programmed beat before frontman Willem Smit unveils a lazy drawl as the track builds towards a frenzy of fuzzy guitars and a glorious choral vocal pay-off that will send you freewheeling around the room in a state indie induced euphoria. Tonsil repeats the trick, first the band offer a fake opening before a stomping beat and a deliciously off centre riff propels the track forward, whilst Smit hollers and raps, the song threatens to topple over a cliff as the band lurch through time changes and directions, before somehow righting themselves long enough for Smit to deliver another compelling vocal hook, just in time to see the band sway and stagger off in the distance, sure it may seem a little shambolic but that's half the charm of Canshaker Pi.
The album continues to see the band crawl through the alt-rock back pages in their own unique manner, Sooner/Later is a one minute, feedback drenched take on feral grunge that has the band hollering what sounds like 'Sooner or later, we'll spoon alligators' over a wall of fuzz and hiss, Smurf hints at Nirvana or perhaps a Coxon led Blur with it's opening riff, whilst the driving chorus is imported directly from Seattle as the band stamp on the power and fuzz factor. If Kelly Doesn't, Then Who Will? meanders for the first minute and a half, with chiming guitars and numerous trips round the drumkit before exploding into a contagious slab of powerpop, No Sack, No Way proves the band can play it clean as a bouncy bass riff and chiming guitars combine to back a smooth languid Smit croon and a host of winning harmonies as Canshaker Pi produce a tempting slice of alt-pop pie. Whilst, The Indie Academy sees Canshaker Pi pass with flying colours as the band deliver everything you could possibly want from an indie anthem (and more) in a mere three minutes, as instantly infectious riffs, a hook-laden chorus and of course the obligatory hand-clapped mid song dropout are combined to create the perfect radio friendly crossover that could see the band become (somewhat unusual) household names.
Naughty Naughty Violence may not be the most original record you've ever heard, sure Canshaker Pi may have you reminiscing of your 90's alternative favourites, but who gives a damn when the songs on here are so damn addictive, yes you may turn to those Pavement classics in your collection, but I bet you also hit the repeat button a few dozen times on this little gem too!!
www.canshakerpi.nl/
