By Alex Felsinger
Until now, indie-pop band Pants Yell! seemed as if they were doing everything in their power to stay under the radar. First, they named their group Pants Yell! - seriously, what the hell? - and then in 2003 they released their first album on cassette through an obscure German imprint. This was followed closely by their home-country debut on Asaurus - a small-run, handmade CD-R label. Then, to make sure no one besides Massachusetts locals and a few computer nerds ever hear their music, they've hardly toured at all in the last five years.
But now they're making a move. Just released last month, their fourth album, Alison Statton (Soft Abuse), makes a few slight changes to their downhearted and downtempo pop melodies. The three-piece brought in a small horn section for a few songs, as well as some female friends to sing harmonies, which blend nicely with the lead vocalist's nasally, perfect-for-pop voice.
But really, even with all the changes, they're still as minimalist as a bubblegum version of Shellac. The biggest difference comes with the presentation: the release is a professionally duplicated CD with a jewel case and everything. And their new record label actually took the time to send the Guardian a promotional copy. This alone is evidence that Pants Yell! has some big plans.
So far, though, those plans don't include a tour to the great West. Apparently they have day jobs or something. I guarantee that if you grab all four releases, by the time they get out here, you'll have all the lyrics memorized. But be forewarned: if someone ever asks what you're listening to, enunciate well or be prepared to hear, "Pants what?"
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