Les Savy Fav – Root For Ruin

 

To be honest, it’s not even particularly surprising anymore – to learn that Les Savy Fav have recorded an excellent new album. They apparently don't know how to do otherwise. Root For Ruin follows the same formula as much of their catalogue, sitting nicely alongside last opus Let’s Stay Friends in terms of pace and feel. Fourth track Let's Get Out Of Here is an instantly delightful, energetic burst of indie rock that should certainly find its way onto many a DJ's set-list and is immediately followed by the entirely infectious Lips 'n Stuff. Excess Energies is as feisty as its name suggests, with a stomping rhythm permeating the verses thus making it another dance-floor contender. The pace is slowed on Poltergeist, which invites comparisons with their native New York's no-wave scene and is one of the artiest compositions on display here without sacrificing any quality. All told, LP number five is yet another bullseye from this prolific quintet. [Chris Cusack]