Perhaps ironically referring to the breakthrough that never quite occurred for Austin, TX, band
the Cherubs
,
Short of Popular
compiles the various singles, compilation tracks, rejected session pieces from
Heroin Man
, plus an assortment of other sonic odds and ends, and ties them neatly into this send-off album, indicating that the band's break-up was indeed an untimely one.
Kevin Whitley
's signature nasal vocals, barely audible over the distorted wash of bass and guitar, are like that of a small child attempting to be heard over a steamroller. Beyond the signature roar and wallop of
' rhythm section, a
noise rock
staple, it was the particulars that truly mattered: the undeniable
pop
melodies articulated throughout the redlined volume, and yes, the oddball
Butthole Surfer
-isms found here and there. The cover of
Blondie
's
"Dreaming"
is rollicking fun. A fine send-off for a band that burned brightly for a few records, then shuffled off. ~ Patrick Kennedy