A Hole Forever
Adrian, 2023
10/10
The Swedish alt-rockers Spunsugar certainly know how to remind us of legends like Hole, Cocteau Twins and Electric Youth, and these 10 tracks are armed with plenty of shoegaze, grunge and post-punk spirit.
“Metals” starts the listen with swirling guitars and punchy drumming that’s fuzzy and bristling with post-punk ideas, and “San Jose” follows with a brighter appeal of shimmering guitar and pop bursts amid the dense backdrop.
The middle spot belongs to the cinematic intimacy of “It Never Gave Me Anything”, where a mesmerizing mood is met with a distinct buzzing, while “Skin Unwell” radiates a more emotional angle that’s even soulful in its pretty, retro delivery.
Close to the end, the album highlight, “Words For Others”, balances both light and dark moments of raw beauty amid a lively beat, and “Taxidermy” exits with perhaps the most upbeat burst of sonic manipulation that you could dance to.
A fantastic record that flirts with all the New Wave nods of the mid ‘80s that we could never tire of, whether harrowing or sunny, Spunsugar know how to captivate in a nostalgic fashion across this distorted masterpiece.
Travels well with: Melody Fields- 1991; Endless Love- The House Of Love