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Written by Amanda Pelle Sunday, 15 April 2007 14:33

From the phobia of hospitals to the semi-vacant observations of the "artsy" nature of a porno flick, the Saps deliver their punk-funk message with a tap-your-feet-happy tempo.

Having established a reputation at venues in their hometown Chicago, the Saps continue to grow their musical repertoire with scattered radio play throughout the country. With mentions from the Chicago Reader to USA Today, this upbeat band has earned the credentials to support its expanding horizons. The quartet skillfully portrays a raw and unfiltered musical ability in their indie-alternative C'mon Already, Start a Fire. The album reflects a diverse portfolio of influences from its soulful modesty assembled in Otis Redding's silhouette, to pop influences skillfully derived from the Flaming Lips, and suggestions of alt-country throughout.

In the "Sounds Like" component of their MySpace, the Saps describe their tone as, "A love letter written with a hammer." While the hammer part is obscenely accurate, the love letter part is perhaps a bit misconstrued. A love letter would imply the typical sappy-sweet remorse of intoxicated romance and barren, betrayed commitment. The emotions associated with such atrophies? Absolutely. Their message? Not as much. This album represents a clever, sarcastic, bitter-but-not-betrayed definition of life's miraculous adventures. From the phobia of hospitals to the semi-vacant observations of the "artsy" nature of a porno flick, the Saps deliver their punk-funk message with a tap-your-feet-happy tempo.

This sophomore effort incorporates the clever integration of viola with electric guitar, untamed vocals, and blatant lyrics. The result? Unrefined elegance. C'mon Already, Start a Fire is, quite simply, noxious nostalgia. B | Amanda Pelle

RIYL: Half Gone