Tap Tap's initial tag was that they were the U.K. equivalent of
Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, and there's definitely something of that astringent, choppy post-punk with high vocals feeling to what's at work. But there's a key difference -- Tap Tap, a one-man act (one Sir Thomas Sanders, whose nobility may or may not be in question) with some help here and there -- brings in
Wire and the
Minutemen to the equation thanks to many of the song lengths, which if not quite so abbreviated aren't out to waste any time. As a result,
Lanzafame is just about what it needs to be: quick, enjoyable, and at its best a fine twist on the continuing late-'70s/early-'80s revival. Perhaps intentionally, the longest song (at five minutes) is the first, "100,000 Thoughts" serves as a good statement of purpose thanks to the brisk but brawling drums, the immediate if minimal acoustic/electric guitar melody, and Sanders' unquestionably ghost-of-
David Byrne (and a bit of Andy Partridge) vocals. But after that it's one quick hit after another, and while this is ultimately pleasant instead of deathless -- a little more variety in the musical approach wouldn't hurt, though the general formula is attractive regardless -- Tap Tap shows definite promise throughout. Song titles have a bit of welcome wryness at points ("Way to Go, Boy," "What a Clever Thing to Say"), while Sanders' ability at overdubbed harmonies and vocal counterpoints -- "To Our Continuing Friendship" is a good example -- serves him well throughout. Standouts include "Little Match (Big Fire)," where the rhythm punch is at its strongest, "Way to Go, Boy"'s ska-tinged skip and the lower-key in comparison "Talk Slowly." ~ Ned Raggett