Fine China "The Jaws of Life" (Common Wall Media)
By Emily Trinks
Friday. Aug 12, 2:53 AM
Bulls beware.

There are people who say that The Postal Service have single-handedly destroyed indie pop. Of course, there are probably more who think that they’re just the ginchiest and adore the nerdy, “indie” love songs. What most people don’t realize, of course, is that there’s a world of superior synth-heavy indie pop waiting to be discovered. If you wish The Shins were a little heavier on the fey-ness and a lot heavier on the synthesizers, you will adore Fine China.

Somewhere between The Aluminum Group and The Magnetic Fields exists Fine China, a Phoenix-based foursome who have been doing this long before Jimmy Tamborello even dreamed of winning the hearts of 15 year-old girls coast-to-coast. Their third record, The Jaws of Life, is full of delightful sing-along pop that you won’t be (completely) embarrassed to sing along to. Because really, who hasn’t ever wanted to croon out (or at least ask themselves): “And everybody knows. Yes everybody knows that it’s not love. Are you on drugs?”

Being a fan of the twisted love song, “The Cells Divide” is a definite standout. Layered over the dreamy keyboards and guitars lies a creepy map of everything in between skin to bone. “Skull and Crossbones” is a jaunty romp that pays tribute to all things young and wide-eyed. “Prosecute Electrocute” goes glam and dark. With a jumpier beat, more pronounced vocals, a seriously boppy ending, and trite lyrics, the last track, “Person of the Month,” is perhaps the most evocative of The Postal Service. Read that however you will.

With arrangements and falsettos like this, Fine China toe the line into too-twee-land and, unfortunately, steps over every now and again. “Don’t Frown?” “I’m Sorry for the Hating?” “I Can’t Fall Asleep?” No one would be the worse for the wear if these never left the locked diary.

At its best, Fine China celebrate the subtle, simple joys of just being alive. The waking up with the sun, the falling in love, the playing records. It’s nice, really. They err on the side of precious, which I’d guess is to be expected, if you really think about it.
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Emily Trinks

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