I discovered The Nines a few years ago on MySpace. Other than Steve Eggers possessing a voice that has similarities to Andy Partridge's voice, his music doesn't sound much like XTC - unless one assumes all good power pop music is just a leaf on the branch of the tree with its roots in XTC, which is absurd. Eggers' tunes stand on their own. He writes great pop songs and he's horribly underrated. Buy this. Now!
The Nines are a fantastic band in their own right, with a much more American, less shiny alt-rock sound than you-know-who. If Eggers' voice didn't sound like that, you probably wouldn't be hearing all these XTC comparisons. Well, maybe one or two - admittedly, if Andy Partridge had grown up in Cincinnati instead of Swindon, and had never started a band at all, his solo records might have sounded a lot like this. (And that's a major compliment coming from me, for what it's worth!)
Leroy has a point but, in defense of Steve Eggers, his voice doesn't sound affected or forced or anything. Homeboy can't really help how he sings, you know? Regardless, how many bands can you name that wear their XTC on their sleeve? It's good stuff. Reminiscent of XTC without being a blatant rip-off.
Maybe a bit TOO much XTC? I love XTC but the Nines' singer seems to have a sort of embarrassing man crush on Andy Partridge. It's all really top notch stuff but..
Heard about this band from a guy waiting in line at Lee's Palace. They've got good, poppy melodies and have good sticking power after just one listen. Many bands seem good but start to sound the same. These don't - the songs are different from each other. "Jennifer Smiles" is the kind of song that makes me want to bop in my chair - great lyrics, beat and harmonies. But the one over-riding thought that comes to mind - this album sounds A LOT like XTC's more melodic stuff. If you like Senses Working Overtime or Peter Pumpkinhead, you'll love this.
