I've had the pleasure of knowing many cocker spaniels in my day, each distinct in their personalities yet united by their complete unwillingness to behave in any way remotely like any other dog. In this respect, Sean Padilla has chosen the perfect moniker for his prolific musical adventures. Withstand the Whatnot is the first official CD release after a string of self-released Cocker Spaniels cassettes and CD-Rs. It features 21 songs, over a hour's worth of spastic energy that includes the miniature suite "Your Things Are In The Yard", and scene-stealing opener "The Only Black Guy at the Indie-Rock Show", which is Padilla self-identified. Padilla plays nearly everything on the record, but you'd hardly know it wasn't recorded by a live band. Recommended for depressed GBV fans, anxious Swearing At Motorists truck drivers, and anyone who can relate to the questions, "Did your pizza not come on time? / ...Well, if so, then why'd you stiff?"
---Michael Metivier, February 2005