Gorky's Zygotic Mynci - Sleep/Holiday

Gorky’s Zygotic Mynci (hereinafter called Gorky’s) has been on the cusp of mainstream fame for over a decade now. After Euros and Megan Childs formed the band in Wales in the late 80’s, they released their first album Patio in 1992. Sleep/Holiday, released in August of 2003, is their most recent shot at the title. Sleep/Holiday is a collection of “love” songs simply constructed by the guitar, violin and piano. More often than not, the violin plays second fiddle (no pun intended) to the other instruments. Four of five songs on this album are worth discussing in detail, the others are just boring. By boring, I mean cue the rhythm guitar, cue the piano melody, cue the soft vocals, cue the violin texturing in the background. Okay, let’s do it again. But I don’t like yawning so let’s talk about what’s unique: Track 1 – “Waking For Winter” – Harmonica, vibrant vocals, piano notes in the major key. Sounds like Belle and Sebastian. I could feel my toe tapping the ground. Track 3 – “Mow the Lawn” – This song sounds just like Velvet Underground except Gorky’s includes lame lyrics: “Well I couldn’t see my tootsies / When I’m doin the watusi / Mow the lawn.” Track 6 – “Country” – One minute and forty-six seconds of cheesy country pop. Yes, the cliché is killing me. Track 7 – “Eyes of Green, Green, Green” – Another toe tapping Belle and Sebastian tune. Strong violin solos. Competes with “Waking For Winter” for best track. Track 8 – “Pretty as a Bee” – Gorky’s returns to their psychedelic roots. Think Pink Floyd without the lights show. The verdict? Certain tracks from Sleep/Holiday will fit nicely into your Kazaa media folder. [www.gorkys.com]