3 out of 5

Label: VHF

Producer: B. Nagit (‘nimbly coerced by’)

It seems like a dream at first: opening track ‘Web Of Ramps’ slowly thumping into presence before a gloriously hazy 4-track slum of guitar and bass carries you through the perfect blend of Truman’s Water slacker improv (with infinitely better grasp of how to (or desire to…) milk the 4-track sound, though) and Pavementy college rock head-bobbing rhythm.  ‘Slouching Towards Dulles’ adds lyrics, screechy vocals half-serious, half-cynical atop a surprisingly gutsy punker riff.  It seems like ‘Chewy Foot’ will be evidence of some golden age of VHF fuzz rock, and that Wingtip Sloat can do no wrong.  …But then the wankfest hits.  ’10 Years Vs. the Spread’ is the worst of indulgences, several snippets of almost songs while we get spoken proetic ramblings.  I’d blame Wingtip exclusively, but several tracks later we get the similar ‘Games/Ruins/Gravity’, which, according to the liner notes is a Minutemen song, so goes to show what I know of influences.  Regardless, ’10 Years’ ruins the magic of the first two tracks to the extent of threatening to bring the recording to a halt…  It’s followed by several wishy-washy songs, although ‘Slide Me a Dime’ is pretty epic, straddling a speed intro that blends into some sweet lo-fi goodness and ‘Unique Scenic Drive’ is the best parts of that Truman’s Water similarity, keeping the slipperiness in check while penning a breezy Virginia-themed track that does the song title justice.  Album concluders ‘A Tree Fell’ and ‘Cork’ are back to the goods, matching the sweet spot of ‘Slouching’ between aggressive and easy, but by this point in the album – which is a short listen – your faith has been spread a bit thinner.  Wingtip definitely knows what they’re doing, and ‘Chewy Foot’ has enough highlights on it to rival any sloppy college shit you’re listening to.  (DON’T WORRY I LISTEN TO THAT SHIT TOO)  (p.s. not as much as you though)  …But like many groups dedicated to 4-trackin’ across the indie nation, allowing their wank indulgences full force disrupts the listening experience.