Ohio

RELEASE
2002
LABEL
Donger Records
GENRES
Pop/Rock, Alternative/Indie Rock, Comedy, Novelty, Indie Rock

Album Review

The Dayton, OH, group Drexel, which consists of David Sparks (aka Drexel Dave or Sparkdog) and Brian Pelfrey, rides a wave of high camp on this, their self-released debut. The duo are dedicated purveyors of "white trash" themes -- "All the girls are pregnant, looking about 13" is a typical line -- who are tethered to a Casio-driven lounge sound. While the proceedings walk a fine line of novelty, often tipping into farce, sometimes the songs are actually quite appealing. "East Dayton Saturday Night" features Sparks' bombastic, soul-billy baritone atop a thoughtfully twinkled piano reminiscent of Todd Rundgren. ("I'm looking for liquor/My brain's on fire," moans Sparks amidst images of post-industrial boredom and poverty.) At other times, the duo lurches into humor-ridden throwaways, such as "Space Junkie Cowboy," wherein a pulsing organ and smatterings of drums plow forth like a Rawhide-meets-psychobilly cartoon.
Erik Hage, Rovi

Track Listing

  1. The Lingerer
  2. Wrestle Me
  3. Black Widow
  4. Damn Dirty Apes
  5. Space Junkie Cowboy
  6. East Dayton Saturday Night
  7. Fates Pair
  8. Guiluli
  9. Sister of Sin
  10. Subaru Blues