Review Summary: Hey summertime! Hurry up and get here so I can blast this with the windows down on the highway.
In 2007 Tallahassee, Florida's Look Mexico released their debut full-length
This is Animal Music. While an enjoyable listen, with the exception of its first three tracks
This Is Animal Music was completely forgettable. Relying on the same mix of wandering mid-tempo chords and honest to a fault vocals as so many before them, it seemed that Look Mexico were set to be just another well meaning American Football clone. Well first impressions be damned. Look Mexico's newest 7”
Gasp Asp (also available as a digital download) sees the Floridian quintet breaking out from their mediocre debut and finding their voice.
Its clear from the get-go that
Gasp Asp has what
This Is Animal Music lacked: direction. The stylized instrumentation is still there, but on
Gasp Asp Look Mexico have chosen to forgo the dull and meandering route of their debut in favor of more traditional structures. This gives it clear sense of focus that brings out the best of the band.
Gasp Asp's opening track “You're Not Afraid of the Dark Are You?” is Look Mexico's finest hour. Highlighted by drummer Joshua Mikel's intricate and powerful kit work and the intertwining guitar melodies of Matt Agrella and Ryan Slate, it erupts into the same kind of bubbly, feel good energy that Minus the Bear perfected on
Highly Refined Pirates. Matt Agrella's vocals have also improved. On
Gasp Asp he sings with a new found sense of confidence and conviction that powers through the mix with a slight, but nonthreatening, sneer to take command of Look Mexico's brand of off-kilter indie-pop.
Gasp Asp is everything one could have hoped for and more from Look Mexico. With
Gasp Asp, Look Mexico have made an album that begs to be the soundtrack to your next summer road trip. The only downside is that with it being only little over thirteen minutes long, it will have to be a short trip.
