THEE FINE LINES
Thee Fine Lines (Licorice Tree)
Reviewed by DJ Johnson

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The wonderful thing about being a garage music fan is that there are so many styles and skill levels that can all be pleasing. Thee Fine Lines fall into the category of bands who play uptempo, energetic, simple rock with the recording levels pegged all the way up to give everything from vocals to cymbals a coating of distortion. If you've never heard a band that does this, it's like having your speakers temporarily blown. Sure, it covers some major limitations, but who cares? It also adds to the overall attitude and fun. Thee Fine Lines aren't doing anything that hasn't been done many times before, but they're entertaining, and some of their songs are much better than average. "Tears Are Rolling" has extra power most of the way through the song, and when they go into the solo, they go the minimalist route, creating a stark contrast that makes the song stick in your memory. Guitarist Justin Kearbey likes to have his fun, too, doing cute little things like quoting the incremental solo from The Seeds' "Pushin' Too Hard" in "Take It Away," a song so unlike "Pushin' Too Hard" it actually takes a few moments to figure out where you've heard the solo before. (I was sure it was a Doors solo at first. Duh!) Thee Fine Lines make rough 'n' raw garage sounds, they don't get too fancy, but they have enough ideas to keep from being anonymous. Good fun.

© 2004 - DJ Johnson