Fast Trak Holy Nova Symphony (CD)
This split from Parasol contains work from two California outfits, Coco B'S and Eskimohunter. For its part, Coco is quite adept at the crackling, slightly distant indie pop typical of labels like Parasol or Cali's own Darla. The duo never really outruns their influences (Eels; Yo La Tengo), or even their peers -- there are plenty of home studio assemblers hybridizing organics with flitting electronics, and singing softly and flat over the clean-lined result. Still, the world can always use another warm and fuzzy ditty equating love with sunlight. Watch out for "Here Comes Sunshine"'s sneak attack guitar solo -- it's guaranteed to melt you. The short and sweet Guided by Voices homage "Sister Cold Caller" is even better, while "Five Mile Jet Drag" matches vintage synth tinkles to the faraway whine of a distorted guitar. Eskimohunter's half of Fast Trak Holy Nova Symphony is awash in synthesizers, to the point that "New You 483" drifts in a shiftless ether of wavering electronics. (Except for that tiny morsel of a sample buried in the gauze -- is that from "In the Mood"?) "Surfing at 32¦ f" and "Walking Tour of Space 90013" unfurl the shoegaze revisionist flag, their haze of effects enveloping Eskimo's breathy, drawn-out vocals. Best might be "My Super Pink Stars Will Make Us Click," even if nothing much happens beyond that fabulous title and the reveal of a squelchy and amazing chorus hook. It ends up sounding like My Bloody Valentine doing an Oasis cover. ~ Johnny Loftus, All Music Guide
| Tracklisting | |
| Disk | 1 | |
| 1 | Here Comes Sunshine |
| 2 | Sister Cold Caller |
| 3 | Send Off |
| 4 | Five Mile Jet Drag |
| 5 | Arena Rock Cinema |
| 6 | Between a Bird and Your Soul |
| 7 | Walking Tour of Space 90013 |
| 8 | Speed and Other Forces of Nature |
| 9 | New You 483 |
| 10 | Surfing at 32¦ F |
| 11 | My Super Pink Stars Will Make Us Click |
| 12 | Three Musket Tears |