What Made Milwaukee Famous
Trying to Never Catch Up
Barsuk Records 

When I think of Barsuk Records, I think of John Vanderslice, Nada Surf, the Long Winters, and Death Cab for Cutie- in that order. After listening to the Seattle label’s newer signing, What Made Milwaukee Famous, my mental picture hasn’t changed one bit. This isn’t a complete knock on WWMF, it’s just that their debut Trying to Never Catch Up, never seems to match the unique voice of the aforementioned artists. The reason may be it’s sporadic and genre-hopping sound. Album opener ‘idecide’ is a dark, electronic-drenched keyboard fiesta, while the third track ‘Hellodrama’ is a pure bones radio rock song. Both good songs, but the casual listener would never guess they were by the same band, let alone on the same album. Again, WMMF are a very competent band but compared to their Barsuk predecessors they still have a lot of growing and defining to do. When that times comes, which should be sooner than later, prepare to be wowed.

MP3
idecide
Sweet Lady

Websites
http://www.whatmademilwaukeefamous.com
http://www.barsuk.com