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Dating Godot: The Scottish Play

Andrew Spittle, once of Dunedin, now in Nelson, is Dating Godot. A prolific writer, Spittle has remained the one constant in an ever-changing band line-up. This latest release under the Dating Godot name though is more solo with all songs written and performed by Spittle in his post-punk/indie rock style. With squalling guitars and muffled, laconic vocals most of this album sees Spittle falling somewhere between Bob Mould (Husker Du) and J Mascis (Dinosaur Junior), although his delivery contains neither Mould's venom nor Mascis' trippiness. Hiding behind the spiralling guitar lines however is a melodic presence that lifts the songs and prevents them from becoming too much of a sludgefest, though with the album clocking in at a generous 62 minutes a little trimming may have been in order. Contrasting acoustic guitar and piano pieces show Spittle's quieter side and this, combined with the lyrical resignation of his songwriting, has him coming on like a lo-fi Neil Young. With 'The Scottish Play' Spittle's musical vision has once again been realised and given his prolific nature there is sure to be more.

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