6 / 10
It might be most bands' favourite boast, but usually they're all lying. The immortal line "we just do what we do and if anyone else likes it, it's a bonus" may trip off the tongue but is a lot harder to stick to in practice. So there's something undeniably charming about a band like Cane 141, who really walk it like they talk it.
They didn't bother releasing any singles from debut '98 album 'Scene From 6am' but made a video to be screened at European film festivals. They've toured with fellow indie heroes Flaming Lips and are currently focusing their attention on photography and
film. And if everyone ignores this second album, it won't affect them in the slightest.
Accordingly, everything here is heartfelt and unique. It's subtly psychedelic whispered pop with the gentle touch of The Go- Betweens ('The Grand Lunar') and the darker introspection of Sparklehorse ('In The Sky'). Of course, their lack of concern for going beyond this record also means Cane 141 sometimes lose the plot ('Real Spacemen Never Walk Anywhere') and disappear into their own web of thoughts. But somehow you can't begrudge them their indulgences. After all, they're not doing this for our benefit.
Siobhan Grogan
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