Whether you wanted it or not, here is another New York band that owes a pack of smokes to Television's pioneering example. The Fever bridges the gap between Franz Ferdinand's danciness and The Rapture's funky desires. Whether or not that bridge needed to be built is a matter of debate but, personally, I still find that proto-punk revival thing refreshing. Keith Pony Stapleton gives Matt Safer (The Rapture) some competition for the fattest basslines in the Big Apple and forges Red Bedroom's solid backbone, much like the four log fire people crowd around at bush parties clutching their cans of warm Kokanee. For the most part, however, Geremy Jasper's vocals are not very compelling except for flashes, like on "Put It On You," but they are nonetheless apolitical and probably timely. More of reckless social butterfly vibe comes across from his voice than sincerity and/or torment, but the heart of The Fever resides in a sticky booth in a downtown off-the-wall dance club; so if Jasper's goal coming in was to more or less produce party fodder, it works well enough. It's all well and good for the short term, but in a few years this may be unplayable. Then again, I didn't get much of a buzz from Franz, so you may want to take this with a grain of salt.
The Fever does carry a fine energy and a pleasing sound which can go a long way. J's organ effects change up on every track, adding a little extra signature and ambiance, and, though it sounds as if Chris Sanchez is on autopilot half the time, the guitar work is capable. For whatever reason, this combination worked itself out on album highlight "Dream Machine," where a dense atmosphere of cabaret creepiness is well developed. This seemed to be the most dynamically produced song here, leading me to believe some of the magic that could've been was lost in the studio by the hands of Sanchez Esquire. "Scorpio" also hints at their experimental side, pairing a disjointed tune with a robotic chant in the Kraftwerkian vein; and even if it's derivative, Red Bedroom is very catchy. These songs will stick in your head whether you want them to or not; so with the right producer, they may be unstoppable. Either way, I wouldn't write these guys off just yet.
1. Cold Blooded
2. Gray Ghost
3. The Slow Club
4. Ladyfingers
5. Put It On You
6. Hexxed
7. Artificial Heart
8. Labor Of Love
9. Dream Machine
10. Scorpio
11. Nite Vision
12. Diamond Days
More about: The Fever
