CAVES Get On With It (Self-released)

[October 24th, 2007] [GLAM-PROG] I’ve often said, in regard to glammy retro-rock, that all I really need in life is the Killers. In fact, all I really need is the Killers’ debut, Hot Fuss . It’s got all the ’80s-inspired synth, bombastic drums, melodramatic vocals and absurdly catchy choruses a gal could hope for—which is why Caves’ debut full-length, Get On With It , seems a bit, well, unnecessary.

Based on opener “Curiosity”—which begins with a shrill noise that’s probably a scraped electric guitar string but sounds more like an irritating cell-phone ring—one might write Caves off as Killers imitators. This is mostly thanks to frontman Jacob Carey’s über-croony vocals and the quartet’s jagged, danceable revivalist rock. But, even amid such stylistic, New Wave-y characteristics, Caves hints at more eclectic influences. On second or third listen, “Curiosity” professes an adoration for old-school Police or even the Clash, employing dub-style echo effects, pulsing bass and mega-proggy guitars (courtesy of Carey and David Benedetti) that add an edgy feel to much of the record.

Perhaps most importantly, Caves (which is rounded out by bassists Tim West and drummer Brian Morris) seems hell-bent on starting a party. After all, what’s one to do with the high-pitched rhythm-guitar crunch of “Soldier” (sound familiar?), or the angular guitar and “You’re so metaphysical/ You’re so intangible!” chorus of “Metaphysical (Let’s Get),” but spray beer on fellow dancers while rocking a frantic, hair-tossing groove? Other, synthier tracks like “Rock You To Sleep (Manic)” (yeah, Caves gets a little crazy with the parenthetic song titles) or the sexy slink and British affectation of “Closure” go even heavier on the prog, adding a technical seriousness to the band’s otherwise extravagant sound.

I’m not saying Get On With It is gonna replace Hot Fuss when I’m in need of some pretty-boy retro rock, but the former certainly pays proper homage to its influences—new and old. Hair product, eyeliner and polished dance-punk isn’t typically my bag. But if it’s yours, Caves offers up a well-crafted, totally stylish version that should complement that next socialite bash—or those gold lamé pumps—with equal panache.