Fridge

Ceefax sounds like what one imagines Tortoise would sound like, if the critical acclaim of the overly hyped band truly held water. This early platter from Fridge, more a collection of demos than a cohesive album, sees the band operating in the jazzy post-rock style of Tortoise, but hitting far more right notes than they usually hit. The album comes across like a series of experimental improvisations, composed with the help of bizarre sci-fi sound effects, Farfisa organs, twinkling keyboards, and shuffling grooves. Musically, many inspirations and comparisons crop up, among them Pavement, Trans Am, Yo La Tengo, Slint, Labradford, and Goblin. With its strange song titles and atmospheric instrumental-only base, Ceefax never really gets past being a solid, eclectic post-rock album. Its indie vibes, sharp tempo changes, and sustained moody demeanor hold it back from accomplished originality. Ceefax displays only the embryonic state of Fridge, as the band would go on to more complicated arrangements and traditional, albeit beautiful, compositions on later albums. As such, it's not an essential release, but it's an effortless debut that drops hints of the special material that would come from Fridge and band member Kieran Hebden's work as Four Tet. ~ Tim DiGravina, All Music Guide