Spring Breaks
Wimp (Shake!)
If there’s one thing Spring Breaks have in spades, it’s energy. That much is clear from their blistering debut cassette EP Wimp – put out by Victoria’s Shake! Records –which clocks in at a mere 13 minutes in length for five songs.
Spring Breaks has an impressive local pedigree, featuring former members of the Riff Randels, Hotel Lobbyists, and What’s Hot. On Wimp, their bratty punk sound may be rough around the edges, but the catchiness of songs like “Wimp” and “Shake that Baby” is undeniable. This is a band that has a lot of fun, and that fun is infectious.
The album takes a welcome pop detour for the Spector-esque “Phil and Ronnie”, where guitarist and lead vocalist Valerie Graham lets her pipes shine. It’s a shame her voice is hidden behind so much reverb and distortion on the album’s other songs.
Ultimately,Wimp’s distorted lo-fi sound makes it come across as more of a demo than a finished album, and it could certainly benefit from a bit of polish. But despite the low budget production, Spring Breaks’ charm and pop sensibilities are very apparent nonetheless. This is a band with a lot of promise and more personality than most bands in this fair city.
Rating: ★★★1/2
*Spring Breaks play The Astoria, this Wednesday Jan. 20 with Skinny Kids and Gender Poutine
