The Waterford Landing

Comments (0) By Abel Folgar Thursday, May 1 2008

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The Waterford Landing, Bullet Park EP(Applied Chaotics)

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The Waterford Landing's 2004 self-titled full-length album was a refreshing burst of real music in what felt like a sweltering sea of local shit populated with bad bass, half-assed hip-hop, uninspired rock, and Atari-produced reggaetón. Scene veterans Richard Rippe (vocals, synths, bass), Ed Matus (guitars, synths, vox), and Alex Caso (synths, keys, vox, looks) burst on the scene as a promising trio. However, for personal and professional reasons, the speed with which they recorded music and gigged around Miami slowed to a slug's pace. But one can't be pissed, because they used the interim to take their already well-crafted sound to the next level.

Their latest EP, Bullet Park, is a five-song, twenty-five-minute cooker full of their signature psychedelic new wave, pop-sensible hooks, oozing oohs and ahhs, industrial abrasion, punk rock know-how, and ambient instrumentals. The opening track is a gorgeous instrumental titled "Theme From 'Through the Night'" which may or may not have something to do with Takehiko Ito's anime series, Outlaw Star. Or maybe that's just the liquor talking to me. "Getbent" is a factory tour de force with glimmery moments that shine through the distortion and set up the broody "Folksong #1." The macabre "Laserbeam" is the closest these guys get to happy happy joy joy pop music before delving into the title track, which showcases the band's individual strengths.

Though the local musical plane has improved since their first album, the Waterford Landing continues to show great artistic promise and integrity. Speaking of art, the cover was done by acclaimed graphic novel artist Dan Goldman of the Shooting War fame. And c'mon guys, bottle of Glenfiddich on me if you take less time with the next release.