Reviews

KDT

Koo Dot Tah IQ 1986 / Free Radicals 7″

This single bridges the gap between late-’70s power-pop and ’80s new wave—a marriage of styles with a potential for unbridled cuteness. KOO DAT TAH use the layered vocals of the SHOES with a U2-ish guitar sound, and the two songs here veer into wimpiness despite intelligent lyrics. This band needs more of an edge to their music.

Variant Cause Complete Details / Marathon Man 7″

The A-side sounds like ’76 power-pop, not unlike the FAST or FURYS. The flip is much more interesting, combining original vocal tricks with more modern pop/punk Á  la early BOW WOW WOW. Not bad.