Denying the West

Based on the band name and album title, one would be forgiven for assuming that Das Kapital's Denying the West is strident, angular political hardcore, perhaps somewhere between Gang of Four and Liars. As it happens, this album is a surprisingly catchy and tuneful piece of rootsy {power pop} with a punky undertone that sounds more in keeping with late-period Replacements, or near-forgotten '80s groups like the Pontiac Brothers, Green, or Dharma Bums. With two moody, {neo-psych} exceptions that recall True West or Green on Red (the title track and the closing The Tenacity of Rope), the songs are brash two-minute pop songs with uniformly strong choruses featuring guitarists Marc Ruvolo and Casey Olin's ragged harmonies. Last Run Out Last Saturday Night is a particular gem, but the album as a whole will appeal to anyone with fond memories of '80s college radio. Perhaps Das Kapital and the similarly jangly Human Television should tour together. ~ Stewart Mason, All Music Guide