First and, unfortunately, last album from an incredible Iowa quartet that traded in medium-loud, complex guitar rocka la Television or Dumptruck. Almost psychedelic in its shifting textures and lyrical imagery, but always melodic, this is an important album. (WWW Music Database)
Iowa has long been a fertile breeding ground for driving pop bands. With guitarists Mike Sangster and Doug Roberson coming from two such bands, the Hollowmen and the Dangtrippers respectively, Head Candy is poised to carry on the tradition. Sangster's vocals oscillate between an uneasy tension and a mellow smoothness in much the same way that Head Candy's songs reflect both a world-weary callousness and a vulnerable sweetness. Witness the brash groove of the opening cut "Soul Grinder" segued into catchy riffs embedded in "In The Night Kitchen." Starcaster's uncomplicated production gives it an even mesh, comprised of grinding guitars and fuzzy vocals vibrating over a firm rhythm section. Every sound falls neatly into place without being jelled into a sticky gloss, creating a steadfast sound throughout. Start with the afore-mentioned two cuts, and move along to the frail melodies and lyrics of "Part Of The Earth," the sinister jangle of "Watching The Sun's Trail," the jagged melodies of "Rocket Transfer Warehouse" and the delicate instrumental "Invitation To A Beheading." (CMJ)
I would add to the above recommendations the incredibly strong, guitar-driven "Mona Lisa Overdrive", and you have a great album. Why it went unnoticed, is beyond the knowledge of God or even Captain Beefheart.
Line-up Mike Sangster: gtr, vcls, tapes Doug Roberson: gtr, tapes Jim Vallet: bs Jim Viner: drms
Tracklist 1. Soul Grinder 2. In The Night Kitchen 3. At The Controls 4. Words To Live By 5. Part Of The Earth 6. Watching The Suns Trail 7. Sideways Laughing 8. Mona Lisa Overdrive 9. Rocket Transfer Warehouse 10. Invitation To A Beheading 11. Black Spirits And White 12. Starcaster
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