Review: Dirty Little Secret - Cabin Fever

Posted on 24 March 2006 | 3 Comments

Filed Under: Album Reviews, Indie Rock, Post Rock

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Exactly two days ago I got a little package in my mailbox from Devious Planet and inside was the latest album from Dirty Little Secret. They are a (sorta) new-wave indie power-pop band outta Los Angeles that came together in 2002. I posted a little bit about them way back when. I am still surprised (however) that neither their website nor anywhere else mentions anything about their members’ (most notably singer/guitarist Louis Castle and bassist James Bairian) previous bands. Both Louis and James played in the great ska-punk band The Hippos during the late 90’s. My old band played numerous shows with The Hippos and we got to know them pretty well, but it has been years since I’ve been in touch with them. Either way, that really has nothing to do with the music of DLS.

The music of Dirty Little Secret is poppy new-wavey post-pop with angular guitars, snappy drums, darkly bouncing basslines, all of which are drenched in synths. Like many of the bands from this seemingly overpopulated genre, DLS makes music you can move your feet and dance to, but theirs is darker and decidedly much less British. Their new CD Cabin Fever was just self-released and you can buy it here. RIYL: Hot Hot Heat, Interpol, etc…

MP3 | Dirty Little Secret – 33 & 32 Cabin Fever
MP3 | Dirty Little Secret – Guns Guns Guns Cabin Fever

Comments

1 Kristi Joy - 853 days ago Ha! I knew you would comment on that Sufjan thing. I also knew that if anyone would be familiar with Adem, it would be you. I did see that he had played in Fridge, however, that didn't mean a whole lot to me since I've never heard of them up til this week, and still haven't heard their music. I must look them up.

2 Amy - 852 days ago Hey Eric, After reading your mention of Hungry Brain bar the other day, I made my way there last night (is in my neighborhood). Great place, very low-key--thanks for the rec!

3 JAX - 847 days ago Hi Eric!! I just found your blog through Dodge. Fucking awesome site and even more awesome because you totally posted Dirty Little Secret!! Im based out of LA and they are the best band in LA period right now. Ive featured them numerous times on my site and if you go back through the archives you can find references to their Hippos days.

One thing you forgot to mention is that James and Louis produced Giant Drag's new album, Heart and Unicorn.

Im running a contest right now on my site for their cd release show.

http://www.rockinsider.com/2006/03/dirty-little-secret-cabin-fever.html