Monster of the Week

Tulpa may have been formed by members of U.K. post-punk acts like Mush and Drahla, but here, led by the bright, crystal-clear vocals of singer/bassist Josie Kirk, they apply their skills to tuneful indie pop. But thats not to say that their sound doesnt let in bits of darkness, strangeness, and dissonance through the cracks. The endeavor won them some plum opening slots (Throwing Muses, Pale Blue Eyes, Bug Club) and a record deal with Skep Wax before they even released any music. The band, named for a mythical being conjured by intense concentration, do just that on their debut album, Monster of the Week. After a sauntering "Theme" showcases their dual guitar approach, first song "Transfixed Gaze" establishes a warm, just slightly off-balance bounce, where bristly guitar tones and the odd bum note score a smooth vocal melody about appreciating those who stand apart in a world of zombies. The affection, paranoia, and undercurrent of danger continue on the melancholy jangle of "Psyops," on the brisker and tighter "Pyro," and on most other tracks, including "Whose Side Are You On?," which is one of two songs led by the Lou Reed-type conversational vocals of guitarist/songwriter Daniel Hyndman. Other standouts include the concise hooks of "Youre Living in a Reverie" ("Lets take a ride on a UFO, baby") and the fuzzy psychedelic diversion "Stick Figure Boy" ("Fantasy in his eyes"). Even if a couple of tracks get bogged down by repetition, everything across Monster of the Week is catchy, and it serves as a more than promising debut. ~ Marcy Donelson