Albums
Confusion
2010
Genre: Jazz
Release Date: 2010
By Martin Douglas
Reviewed November 17, 2010
Young New Zealand band swipes moves from the Clean's playbook, just as indie rock acts from Yo La Tengo to Jay Reatard have in the past.
It's difficult to discuss New Zealand indie rock without mentioning the Clean. From the time of their debut single, "Tally Ho!", in 1981, the trio has since been cited as a massive inspiration to everyone from indie rock's Old Guard (Pavement, Yo La Tengo) to some of today's most exciting underground bands (Times New Viking, Crystal Stilts, the late Jay Reatard). With the Clean's reputation seemingly at an all-time high, one has to wonder how mighty a shadow the band has cast over its native land. With their debut record, , Surf Friends-- a young duo from Auckland-- attempt to wriggle their way out from under the Clean's heavy influence.