Super XX Man Volume IV (Peek-A-Boo)
SXSW Records
Reviewed by Greg Beets, Fri., March 17, 2000
Super XX Man
Volume IV (Peek-A-Boo)
Don't let the superhero pedigree fool you into thinking this is some sort of rousing bombast to save the world by. Super XX Man is actually the alter ego of Scott Garred, guitarist/vocalist for Austin popsmiths Silver Scooter. While Super XX Man shares Silver Scooter's penchant for melody and waxing eloquently about romantic longing, the former strips away the rock to reveal homemade, country-tinged night songs sparsely arranged with a guitar and drum machine. Within this context, Garred's heartfelt indie-boy vocals assume a level of vulnerability that would daunt less forthright singers. He's not afraid to sound all dumb and in love -- an admirable trait in an arena sopping wet with irony. Between the hopeful escapism of "Stroll on Through N.O." and the succinct but blue "Waiting for Your Return," Garred captures one-on- one intimacy in the face of atmospheric desolation. Like a fading image of two young lovers huddled in a blanket to stay warm on a cold winter morning, these songs are simple in structure, but rich with meaning. With side projects like this, who needs a full-time band? (Saturday, Blind Pig Pub, 8pm)
