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{ True Madness Magazine }
Music Reviews
Calamine, s/t ep
???, 1998
by James Eddy
Let me go on record as saying that from now until the end of time, I will never be a fan of eps. They are always too short by nature, always merely begging you to buy the upcoming LP. This doesn't mean I don't buy them; to complete my Bright Eyes collection I have to. Still, if another EP was never made I probably wouldn't shed a tear (this does not include 7", which are awesome.)
That stated, Calamine arises my heavily documented distaste for the "short ones" by delivering the indie-pop goods with perfect swagger and poise. While most people who know the band at all only really care about their theme song credit on Cartoon Network's painfully hilarious Sealab 2021, this groups sole release to date dashes the worries of would-be worriers. Effectively catchy and hip with infectious riffs out of this atmosphere, Calamine personifies what artistic pop music can and should be. Not to mention there is something indefinably sexy about lead singer Julie Stepanek's wilting vocals. Not since Kim Deal on the Breeder's classic Pod album has a female vocalist totally ruled her element quite like Stepanek. She might even pass up old Kim as the best female vocalist is indie history. Decide for yourself when the band finally releases their first LP, the appropriately titled Play Again at some point in the future. Stay tuned, boys and girls, for updates from this number one fan. Congratulations, Calamine; you get the fiver.
Rating: 5 out of 5
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