Recover
Ceci N’est Pas Recover (Fiddler) This five-song EP’s title translates from French as “This is Not Recover,” which could mean a couple of things. Is this merely a stopgap measure by the local, emo-leaning punk quartet not meant to fit in the continuum between 2001’s Rodeo & Picasso and their eagerly awaited full-length follow-up? Or is the oft-scouted Recover headed in the more polished, pop-oriented direction of former tour-mates Jimmy Eat World? Whatever the case, this is a fine-sounding disc that approaches radio-friendly status without castrating the frenetic angst catharsis that is the group’s raison d’être. The contagious “Push Push” combines grinding guitars and full-body snare hits with a distinguished melodic undertone that recalls Fugazi and the Foo Fighters, respectively. “Sleeper” and “My Only Cure” are capable, nut-tight exercises in the hard-hitting, quick-stop dynamic punk’s metal refugees are so fond of, while “Inhale Water” bookends the self-immolating chaos with sparse piano/vocal treatment at the song’s beginning and end. None of these songs stand out like “Push Push,” but taken as a whole, Ceci N’est Pas Recover goes down as a quick, tasty appetizer that piques hunger for what’s to come.
This article appears in October 11 • 2002.
