The Interpreters

 

Singles

The Diane Linkletter Experience

"The Diane Linkletter Experience" EP (Vital Cog)

The four-song debut of West Chester's The Diane Linkletter Experience delivers diluted indie rock jangle. Though the vocalist may be aspiring to emulate Michael Stipe's vulnerability, the result is more out of tune than "Out of Time." "Bigger Than Life" offers acoustic mediocrity and pathetic "sensitive guy" lyrics about some girl's hair. But how sensitive can you be when you're flaunting a chick's naked ass on the cover of your EP? "Citing Examples" is a definite improvement, but their Velvet Underground influences are unfortunately eclipsed by the muddy recording. Although the sleeve claims that their record has "no B-sides," they certainly have no A-sides. Just a whole lot of C-sides.

The Interpreters

"In Remembrance of That Fine Fine Evening" (Volcano Entertainment)

Philly's mod revivalists, The Interpreters, bask in the cultural impact of the Beatles. On "I Remember," Patsy Palladino's high-end, Harrison-esque leads are complemented well by Herschel Gaer's Brit-pop vocal attack. The curiously short B-side "Dogskin Report" fuses a wide range of influences, including Fugazi and the Stranglers. While it's less derivative and more lyrically cryptic than the A-side, the tune occasionally veers off into the realm of new wave. "In Remembrance of That Fine Fine Evening" may not be breaking any new ground, but it's a lot of fun and should fare extremely well in its competitive climate.

- Geeta Dalal