On their first album in seven years,
Cucumbers Deena Shoshkes and Jon Fried are still pondering the imponderables of love. In "Something Dangerous," Shoshkes tells her lover, "I'm afraid of you, and I love you"; seconds later, it's "I feel safe with you, and I love you." There are hints, however, that the duo's uncertain affection may be leading progeny. The album-opening "I'm Waiting" may be addressed to a lover or a coming baby, and "Your Little Ribcage," sung by Fried, presents the story from the inside. They're still quirky after all these years, in other words, and still employing a minimalist rock style reminiscent of the bands that were in the ascendant when they got together -- early
Talking Heads,
B-52's,
Devo. Some tracks boast more extensive instrumentation, notably horns, but the basic approach is still, well, basic, with a focus on the vocals and those odd observations. May they never change. ~ William Ruhlmann