Label: Merge Records
Release Date: April 8, 2003
Website: www.portastatic.com
Portastatic
- The Summer of the Shark
Matthew Ralph
It's been three years since Mac McCaughan has released a formal album
under the name Portastatic. With his Superchunk side project that for
some time now has been, other than his successful record label, the
indie rock giant's saving grace, he has released a soundtrack (2001's
Looking for Leonard) and an EP paying homage to Brazilian artists, but
has otherwise been quiet. And as good as 1997's Nature of Sap was with
its wash of pianos and infectious beats, this album comes long overdue.
The magnificent acoustic opener "Oh Come Down" only
confirms that with Mac's all too familiar voice coming alongside the gentle
twang of his guitar. Sure, he is still seen frequently in sweaty rock
clubs with his band Superchunk, but Portastatic Mac comes on like an
old friend from college you haven't seen since you graduated (see
insert photo of Mac, grey hoodie, with gentle trees behind him).
Building with campfire melodies and soothing instrumentation, the song
is the perfect start to the album, much like the friendly as pie "You
Know Where to Find Me" on Nature of Sap.
Much like the three other full-lengths McCaughan has done with a
varying cast of players, this album's sound takes its own path. Like
side projects should, Portastatic gives him that freedom to experiment.
The success of this formula has always been that freshness. This isn't
MacSuperchunk recording discarded songs from his main band on a 4-track.
It's an extremely talented songwriter carefully laying down tracks with
all the elements of a relaxing day spent walking the beach. Take
"Swimming Through Tires" as an example, the trombone weaving its way
through a rhythmic carefree tune about "swimming through tires at the
bottom of the Hudson." Clearly one of many standout tracks on the
album, it defines the songwriters' vision. He can be smart without
being stuffy. Rock without having to sound like his other band. Have
fun without being self-indulgent.
"Paratrooper" is another one of those tracks, the hook "I just dropped
in like a paratrooper" a line that displays the intellect and his
ability to simply let his gentle, almost whispery voice enlighten the
listener.
Water has commonly been a theme surfacing throughout the songs of
Portastatic, but you don't have to be at the beach listening to a sea
shell or eating a salt water taffy to appreciate the "summer" in these
songs or the pure brilliance for that matter. If only he had more time
to devote to this side project.
posted 08.30.03
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Matt Ralph has bags full of bad CD's. Add to his collection at matt@tangzine.com
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