The Tubs – “Illusion”

Got another jangled gem from the upcoming Tubs EP on Trouble in Mind today. The band, who, like their compatriots Ex-Vöid grew out of the amicable dissolution of Joanna Gruesome, launches into a thicker, more robust vision of jangle pop. There’s nothing here of the twee trappings of the Sarah set, instead opting for an amalgam of The Weather Prophets’ winking self-loathing and the Go-Betweens’ tensile-edged raw emotions. “Illusion” tears open self-delusion for a bout of coming to terms with the lies we tell ourselves. With a charging riff ringing in the ears and the band’s indomitable ability with a hook, this one ought to get more than a few runarounds on the speakers today. Both The Tubs and Ex-Vöid are proving that rising from the ashes doesn’t have to come with a dose of hurt. In the case of the aforementioned Weather Prophets, its like The Loft dissolved, but The Prophets and The Caretaker Race could stand to be in the same building together and share in each others’ success. Its heartening to see and a treat for the ears at the same time. The EP is out July 30th via Trouble in Mind.