Ian Horrocks and Matt Howe contribute to so many bands, it wouldn’t be surprising if they were fresh out of new ideas, but their new collaborative EP, syrup, released under the moniker Cough2012, is proof they have more to offer.
On the surface, syrup is a simple formula: throw some shoegaze vocals over a power pop track and add some Wonka-esque synthesizers on top, but by the time the third track “Home-DF89-5” hits, Cough2012 has moved beyond a lo-fi version of the Feelies into a world of free-flowing guitars more reminiscent of In Rainbows era Radiohead. Overall, Cough2012 isn’t too much of a departure from Horrocks and Howe’s other projects, especially Sea Ghost and Weed Mario, but they are surprisingly successful in creating a record which, despite its demo status, doesn’t sound like a random collection of B-sides.
The waterlogged lo-fi sound adds weight to the record, but it frustrates some of the experimental flourishes which could have made this a standout EP. Nonetheless, it’s an energetic slice of adventurous pop which is worthy of repeat listens. It’s true that three songs aren’t really enough to predict future output, but Howe assured me that despite the arbitrary nature of the release, he and Horrocks plan to continue writing and developing the sound of the band.
More Info
Basecamp: cough2012.bandcamp.com