Ever since the likes of Bob Pollard re-branded punk's original DIY ethos as "lo-fi" and re-emphasized what was possible with a few good ideas and a shoestring budget, homemade sounds have inevitably become a contrived aesthetic choice for some artists, a studied stylistic exercise rather than a necessity. Consequently, it's refreshing to hear Withstand the Whatnot, which makes a virtue of necessity and isn't just a simple exercise in slumming. The Cocker Spaniels are the pet project of Sean Padilla, a bedroom auteur based in Waco, Texas, who's been churning out cassettes and CD-Rs for the past decade. Recorded on an eight-track (with Padilla playing guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, synth, xylophone, accordion and more), Withstand the Whatnot is bursting with enthusiasm and ideas that give tired old indie rock new tweaks and twists. This album has a diverse, occasionally quirky feel. There are infectious melodies and hooks; off-kilter tempos that keep you on your toes; and, front and center, Padilla's high voice, often layered with harmonies. The lyrics are markedly autobiographical, tackling relationships, school, crappy jobs, broken homes, race and religion; nonetheless, the most successful numbers often take a less earnest, more humorous approach. Among the highlights are "The Only Black Guy at the Indie-Rock Show," the lilting "Finals Season," "Your Things Are in the Yard" (which has a subtle electronic groove) and "Fifteen Percent, Please!" a keyboard-based indictment of stingy tippers. Like his hero Pollard, Padilla might want to edit himself a little more aggressively but Withstand the Whatnot attests to his considerable songwriting potential: it has a distinctive sound, boundless energy and irresistible charm.
---Wilson Neate, April 2005