Centro-Matic”s aptly named The Static Vs. the Strings, Vol. 1 collects rarities, outtakes, and B-sides dating back to 1996, contrasting their chugging, fuzzed-out power pop with melancholy, countrified ballads. What holds their divergent tendencies together is the group”s somewhat shambling but confident approach and the appealingly scruffy production, which balances their muscular sound with their skillful melodies and harmonies. At their revved-up best, Centro-Matic is downright infectious and slightly quirky, particularly on songs like the sprightly ”Neighbors. Habits. Downtown,” the driving ”D. Boon-Free (A Ninth-Grade Crime),” and especially on The Static Vs. the Strings, Vol. 1”s centerpiece, ”Turning Your Decisions

Track Listing

• Calling Up the Bastards
• Who”s Telling You Now
• The Execution Of Some Sixty-Odd Drummers
• Neighbors. Habits. Downtown
• Recaptured The Silent Way
• Repellant Feed
• Turning Your Decisions
• Wrecking This Show
• D. Boon-Free (a ninth grade crime)
• Say Something / 95 Frowns
• Curb Your Turbulence (rock show is coming)
• Now That You Have Blown Away the Cards
• You Might Need This Now / Most Peaceful Yeough
• Keep The Phoenix In Slow Motion

Additional Details

Label: Idol Records

Genre: Alternative/Punk

Run Time: 40 mins

Release Date: 04/08/03

UPC: 098054203522