The Purrs

The Purrs

(Sarathan)

Record Review by Jen Tartaglione

When seeking companion music for a Pulp Fiction or Trainspotting genre of film, iconic, ominous, psychedelic rock seems to be the music of choice.  With their self-titled debut, The Purrs have crafted an abrasive yet harmonious album that Uma Thurman might dance to before OD’ing. 

A blend between ‘60s rock group The Animals and the more recent Greenhornes, The Purrs present nine tracks featuring dark lyrics woven into an orchestral tapestry of crying guitars and screeching vocals.  Album opener “She’s Gone” sets the mood of lyrical melancholy contrasted with chipper instrumental accompaniment.  This trend is continued with the darkly smooth “The Dreams Our Stuff is Made Of,” which brings to mind images of Ewan McGregor falling through a red carpeted floor after a bad heroin hit in Trainspotting.  Stand out track “Get on With Your Life” channels a sort of open road feel with the furious guitar plucked intro that smoothly transitions into scratchy vocals, “You’re never gonna take me alive/so you see it’s just a waste of your time/you’ve got better things to do if you want to survive.”

The Purrs’ debut showcases highly talented musicians who have the uncanny ability to make what could have been a highly experimental abrasive sound into something fluid.  The only downside to this is that after a few songs the journey of which The Purrs have embarked upon borders on tedium.  In that respect, The Purrs present great background music but won’t be appreciated by those seeking catchy singles.