On "Oh, This Old Thing?" the Madison, Wisconsin, trio converts scruffy college-town rock into something palatable for alums. Aviary's sound is thrashy and trashy, built on basement drums and injurious guitars, but straining vocals aim more for the urban Casablancas than the Midwestern Westerberg.
Sleeping In The Aviary formed in 2003 and quickly played its way to the top of the Madison, WI scene, garnering much praise from the local luminaries. Oh, This Old Thing? proves the buzz surrounding its live shows deserved and presents a band poised to emerge at the national level. The album's opening salvo dominates, suggesting early Thermals via mid-western garages and basements. From there its 20 minutes of kick-ass lo-fi power pop laced with strains of Buzzcocks crunch, Kinks hooks, and I swear, a dash of Ruins grandiose spazz. "Pop Song" is appropriately titled as it keeps you hooked with its pop-perfect lyrics, hand claps, and tambourine. "Another Girl" is a classic unapologetic rock song which you"ll be humming when you least expect it. You haven't had this much fun in a while and you deserve it. Sleeping in The Aviary is touring in support of Oh, This Old Thing? through May, 2007.