Search - 20 Minute Loop :: Yawn + House = Explosion

They really nailed it

a non-flibbertigibbet | 02/25/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've loved 20 Minute Loop since their beginnings, and this has to be their best release yet, with the best collaboration. Big, full sound with varying textures, and the ever-fantastic duets of Giles and Atkins. Semi-nonsensical, troubling lyrics, and mischievous melodic twists and turns. I leave this album singing. Favorite songs... well, Ambassador, most definitely ("I'd rather read this book than take a look"), Properties of Dirt, Miriam Hopkins, Our William Tell... but right now my toast goes to Carlos the Jackal. It's slightly messy and insane. Just slightly. The sense of being swung back and forth by sailors like they're about to throw you overboard, but they don't, they don't, they don't...."

Perfect Post-Punk Prog Pop!!

J. Golden | Santa Cruz, CA USA | 05/01/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"20 Minute Loop is one of those bands that is hard to categorize; think punk energy, pop hooks, clever vocal harmonies, and a "just right" sense of composition. The tasty guitar interplay between Joe Ostrowski and Greg Giles keeps their sound unique and interesting without ever crossing the line into the territory of "chops for chops' sake." Their music exists at a strange crossroads of catchy and cerebral that is both rare and refreshing in the post-2000 music scene.



As musically satisfying as 20 Minute Loop is, it's the vocal harmonies that are their greatest talent and most recognizable signature. Kelly Atkins is one of the most talented female singers alive, with an amazing emotional range that expresses everything between "whisper" and "scream," and Giles' voice is a satisfying contrast that is sometimes mournful, sometimes brazen, and often tongue-in-cheek. Hearing these two deftly sing intertwining lines that dance around each other is a thing of unusual beauty, and it's rewarding to hear melodies so infectious woven with lyrics that are so smart.



This is one of those that really grows on you with repeated listenings, so do yourself a favor and buy it. You won't regret it. While you're at it, definitely check out their equally strong preceding disc, "Decline of Day.""