The Tarmints — The Tarmints (1998) — East of Erie EP (2000) —
Both of these albums display a bold new direction for former Twice Wilted frontman, Kurt Ottoway. They’re dark, of course, but they’re also gritty, a little roots-rock and a bit bluesy and you can’t compare them to anyone else and do either artist justice. If you’re into Gun Club, Nick Cave, The Birthday Party, The Bedraggled and Firewater, you’ll probably find something to love here. Nothing could adequately capture the raw and intense power of this band in the live setting but there are moments when Kurt’s impassioned roar translates well to the recording. And that’s hard for anyone to do.
~by Tom Murphy