NW Reviews: Smoosh – Withershins
Smoosh, once girls now young ladies, have been an on-going work-in-progress since their inception in 2004. Since their very older-than-their-age-of-10 release in 2004, fans seem to have been looking for the next step from innocent indie-pop to something… bigger. Maybe bigger isn’t the best word, but even if that were the case… they seem to have stunted their own growth.
Withershins, the third album from the sisters, has this very indie and very stereotypical sound to it. One could say it is what CocoRosie should have done with their latest album this year. Another could say these girls could have done something a little more interesting.
Like a high-ceiling NFL draft prospect, these girls have much to look forward to. Hell, anyone pretty much wishes they were in these girls’ position at the age of 14 (now 18, 16, and 14). The musical ability of these girls are impressive, and the album itself should be a testament to how much these girls can roll with even the most seasoned of indie-pop acts.
The music genre: bland. The sound coming from this album: not surprising. The anticipation of four years for this album to come out: mostly a let down. It’s tough to be hard on these girls, since they are so young and they are of that age where the cool music to listen to is exactly the music they are producing, but when some wack ass magazine gives these girls a 9/10 because all their songs follow a “traditional indie pop” sound and their age is a “bonus”, it really tears me to bits. The music is lame. Joanna Newsom is the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of artists who are trying to edge their way outside of this indie-pop conundrum. Owen Pallett is another. These girls are caught in a tidal wave and will either be dragged out to sea, drowned, or washed up to shore unless they jump into another pool soon. And hopefully sooner than later.
Although this would have been mind blowing in the early 2000s, this is just more of the same for a dynamic time for indie music. The musicianship is there. The chemistry is there. Everything is there so long as they want it to be there (aka never going to college). They are queens without a country. I never suggest reinventing yourself as an artist, but expanding on your initial high-ceiling value is always necessary. As far as Withershins is concerned, I seriously would never recommend this. And, with the age-kicker, I hope these girls find a new home soon.
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Wow, I’ve never seen a bad review of Smoosh. You sir, are in the minority.
Can I just say what a relief to find someone who actually knows what theyre talking about on the internet. You definitely know how to bring an issue to light and make it important. More people need to read this and understand this side of the story. I cant believe youre not more popular because you definitely have the gift.
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Usually I do not post on blogs, but I would like to say that this article really forced me to do so! Thanks, really nice article.
Aw, this was a really quality post. In theory I’d like to write like this too – taking time and real effort to make a good article… but what can I say… I procrastinate alot and never seem to get something done.
I have been a fan since 2008 when I saw them in Austin with Dresden Dolls. They rock. You sir have NO idea who Smoosh really is do you? You are way too judgmental. My name is Teres, (pronounced with a “z”) French for Teresa, and that’s all I got to say…..
‘Some wack ass magazine’
Really, really insightful journalism from you there.
/sarcasm
Oh and that You Tube vid? I saw that girl on You Tube and yeah how did the alleged writer of this stupid article come about pilfering THAT?
I liked the album very much. I’ve never heard any of the other artists mentioned, so it doesn’t sound at all like jumping on the indie bandwagon to me.I have to admit it is an acquired taste compared to the first 2 SMOOSH albums, but there’s nothing wrong with that.This one really grows on you after 2 or 3 listens.
man, i really think ur wrong. smoosh is MASSIVE to me.
listen to the song dark shine. that is good music!
Your references and metaphors are so off the mark (and tired) that my jaw dropped open. It’s hard to believe you think of yourself as having an insight into mainstream or indie music. Or music. I do believe the first few plants/responses in these comments say it all, about you as a reviewer.
Smoosh’s music while sometimes repetative, simplistic and obviously derivative is still very original, fresh and some of the most honestly hopeful and pretty music I’ve heard from female singer/songwriters; they will only grow and improve.
That they’ve chosen to stay out of the mainstream and avoid celebrity while at the same time slowly building peer respect and a fanbase is more of an achievement than you seem to think.
Honestly what I think is going on here is this:
You’re trying too hard to be different. You’re trying too hard to find the things that could be wrong instead of actually listening to the music. You speak as if you know that all these girls want to do is become famous and rich from their music.
could have used your 15 min. in a more positive way.