In the wake of
Brit-pop
, it seemed the sole export of Wales consisted entirely of the earnest
stadium rock
of
Kelly Jones
or the whoopee-cushion
psychedelia
of bands like
the Super Furry Animals
and
Gorky's Zygotic Mynci
. But occasionally, as with
Songs of Ignorance
, there was a fair indication that at least wry acoustic trios named after one of
Al Capone
's henchmen could survive just fine. Songs here revolve around coke-dealing wedding ceremonies ("We were walking down the church aisle, tried to score some ultra white/So I called him on his mobile, did not think it right," from
"Don't Slip Up"
), and the results often sound like an
emo
cabaret
act covering
Rod Stewart
's
"Maggie May"
(
"Cracking Up"
). And yet,
Murry the Hump
rarely let the mirth boil over. Lo-fi, Amish acoustics are peppered throughout, seldom overstaying their welcome -- as they do in the charmless opener,
"Green Green Grass of Home,"
which the band clearly find more amusing than anybody else -- and it's easy to lean back in the chair and let all the uncomplicated insincerity soak itself into the pores. ~ Dean Carlson