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