Litterbug
Speaking Through The Gaps
By Jillian Abbene
(SugarBuzz Wash DC/Richmond VA)
SugarBuzz Magazine
Like a blank slate, Litterbug’s newest CD immediately dispenses a retro post punk aura. With crushed desolate-trance echoes in vocals, industrialized new wave forms a steady simple familiarity that stems along the same vein as, The Jesus and Mary Chain and Joy Division.
The catchy dance song, “Jenny Sparkles” definitely is the brightest light on the CD. Karima Francis' female vocals intertwine along with Stuart Diggle's male vocals to create a ying/yang that’s effectively inclusive with octaves and harmonies. Building speeds in the melody, a feeling that there is only one solitary light that is shining is proven in the end. I liked it.
In ‘”Smile Is Fake,” there is a slight subtlety of post-punk Pixies feel with 1/3rd flat harmonies between the push and pull of desperate vocals. Their sound is still more modern than post punk including Andy Higgins' back up vocals. Including in, ‘Subhuman Scum,” this song creates the tension of both male and female vocals weaving between operatic octaves with beats slightly off and trailing notes that flip into the abyss of melancholic silence. As if pursuant for the next note, integrating a shiny wasteland of melody, this CD starts slowly yet excitement builds in that potential just waiting to break out.
Be sure to keep an eye out for their next CD. Litterbug have a unique sound that will only improve with age and experience as a band. It will be interesting to see what transpires next in their repetoires. I’ll keep you all posted.