Sad Day For Puppets - Marble Gods/Big Waves Single Review

Review of Sad Day For Puppets' double A-side single 'Marble Gods/Big Waves' released through Sonic Cathedral.

The Swedish guitar underground has thrown up some magical gems in recent times with the likes of Jeniferever and Youngteam both taking significant strides via incendiary live performances and the odd breathtaking release thrown in for good measure.

Sad Day For Puppets, a quintet from the Blackeberg region of Stockholm are the latest addition to their native land's impressive CV by way of this startling double A-side that stylishly launches their reputation in UK circles. Although title track 'Marble Gods' initially saw the light of day on last year's 'Unknown Colors' long player, the fact it was only available on import meant the vast majority of the record buying public would have been blissfully unaware of its hazy beauty, which recalls the halcyon days of Madder Rose and The Pop Guns put through J Mascis' Amherst grindstone. Guitars roar and flail like its 1991 all over again, while singer Anna Eklund's delicate tones provide a sweet diversion.

Flipside 'Big Waves' reveals a more thoughtful side to Sad Day For Puppets make-up, Eklund's sister Annika adding harmonies that recall Miki Berenyi and Emma Anderson in their heyday over a chiming, reverb-laden melody. While there will no doubt be some who will say this kind of thing has been done before, in Sad Day For Puppets defence their aim isn't to re-invent the wheel, but keep it well-oiled and fit for purpose, something they achieve quite admirably throughout this seven-inch single.

Ones to watch as we hurtle through 2009 without question.

8/10

Dom Gourlay