Users comments

Doug Small

Rating: 9.0

Ok, Ok. SSPU sound like (insert early 90's indie band here), but what band doesn't "sound like" another band? What matters here is the quality of the songs, and SSPU absolutely delivers. "Lazy Eye" would have been one of the better songs on "Saimese Dream", and "Well Thought Out Twinkles", would be a stand out on any Sonic Youth record, despite having the word "Twinkles" in the title. Brian Aubert's unique vocal style gives the songs another layer of complexity. When I first heard the record, I was excited to hear a female vocalist. Then I did some online research and discovered that Brian is, in fact, a male. Damn. I love when a rock band has a girl in it. Oh well. Wait! SSPU does have a girl, and she is bass player Nikki Monninger. Although she's no Geddy Lee, she is a competent player who combines with drummer Christopher Guanlao to form a great rhythym section to back Aubert's sonic, skilled guitar playing. She also contributes some harmonizing vocals that are sweet and sound great with Aubert. Rounding out the lineup is keyboardist/sound maker Joe Lester, who adds to every song on the record. Maybe the best thing about Carnavas is that no one single member of SSPU tries too hard. They play their roles to perfection and complement each other perfectly. And, it appears that, unlike their early 90's colleagues, they don't take themselves too seriously. Maybe it's a result of living in sunny SoCal, but the fact that they don't hate themselves, or the world, comes across in every song. In a time when debut records often fail to impress, this is a must-have for any serious music fan.

Mike

Rating: 10.0

Album of the year in a tight race w/ Band of Horses. Why do they draw pumpkins comparisons, they are much more My Bloody Valentine than Smashing Pumpkins. Still, they have a sound all their own that's unlike anything I've ever heard. Why can't you have a wall of guitar sound without being pegged as unoriginal? I have been waiting for an album like this since "loveless". The only downside is this album has taken away from all of my others because it rarely leaves my deck. Do yourself a favor and get this album.

Ashley	Rating: 10.0
My uncle knows Brian from Silversun Pickups, he was actually roommates with him and he recorded thier first album. Ever since the day he introduced me to them, I have fallen in love with thier music. The melodies and lyrics of these pieces are incredible. They are sure to get big, especially being on tour with another of my favorites, The Foo Fighters, and many other major bands.

hypnogic	Rating: 9.0
One of the best releases I've heard in a LONG TIME! Sure, sure -- say what you will about the smashing similarities, but, hey! they pulled it off brilliantly, and have me hooked!!!

Hubcap	Rating: 10.0
Velvet Revolver front man Scott's favorite band. Blender mag. Aug 07 edition page 63. I burn it for everyone I know!I'm 55 and I'm not going to become a "rusted wheel planted still" like 99% of the other dudes my age. Roll on wheel!