Review Summary: Algernon Cadwallader's short but brilliant EP breaches the releases of Some Kind of Cadwallader and Parrot Flies.
Algernon Cadwallader’s “Fun” serves as a transition in between their two LPs, arriving one year after 2008’s “Some Kind of Cadwallader” and two year before “Parrot Flies”. Both of these records are outstanding exercises in the emo genre, and it is amazing Algernon had anything of quality left in the vaults in between these two releases.
Even more astounding is that Fun’s six tracks contain perhaps their best known and most widely regarded song, “Spit Fountain”. It demonstrates that Fun resides closer to SKOC, retaining that record’s spindly charm. It also finds time to indulge in a little experimentation. “Black Clouds” is perhaps the least engaging song Algernon ever recorded, featuring a loping groove and an almost freak folk vibe. “Responsible Party” is tacked on the end and is a pleasant enough diversion; its reminiscent of the breezy cover the band did of The Beatles “This Boy”, featured on the Cover Up Compilation.
Like every other release Algernon put out, Fun is an essential listen for Algernon fans and general emo revival fans. While it serves as a sort of cleaning house for the band, the brilliance of the band still shines through like an uncovered light bulb in a basement show.
