Figurines: Skeleton

CML call number: CD/ROCK/Figurines
Laura Sinagra wrote in the New York Times: "The Danish rock band Figurines distinguishes itself from the current glut of indie-rock formalists by choosing a different form from most. Rather than aping post-punk angularity, the vocalist Christian Hjelm and his tight band go in for the frustrated eeriness of Northwestern bands like Modest Mouse. Wisely, they leave their most blatant rip-off of that band for the very end of 'Skeleton.' The opening track, 'Race You,' is an arresting piano ballad that foregrounds Mr. Hjelm's voice, which perfectly balances art song archness and lonely busker frailty. Songs like the first single, 'The Wonder,' evidence clever modulations that allow Mr. Hjelm to show off his range. He sometimes sounds bored with his own melodies, seeming to prefer weirder excursions like 'Ambush,' with its dark Wall of Voodoo twang, and 'Rivalry,' which masquerades as a Neil Young number but then edges closer to Pavement territory. Figurines don't have lyrics as rewarding as those of their obvious polestars, but 'Skeleton' puts an intriguingly genteel spin on indie grit" ("Critics' Choice: New CD's," 3/27/06).