South Carolina-based post-punk trio Parlor Tricks’ self-titled debut precisely encapsulates what modern post-punk has become. The sound is rooted heavily in the Interpol/TV On The Radio vein with elements of The Fall thrown in to make what comes off as an incredibly un-entertaining record. Most tracks fall into the rut of a powerful opening riff that gives way to Ian Curtis-lite vocals spouting repetitive lyrics over nondescript backing music. The chorus of each song is particularly grating, and decimates any progress that the rest of the track seems to build, leading to a frustrating auditory experience that does not even remotely entertain which is a shame.

Each element taken alone could work out quite nicely, and there is clearly musical talent in this band. However, it is all muddled by poor lyrics, repetitive time signatures and downright lazy compositions.

(self-released, no address provided)