[rating=8.00]
Written on both coasts between touring, Too True finds the Dum Dum Girls pushing off almost all their garage rocking ways and in turn trying on some shimmering 80’s pop for size; it sure fits well. Main songwriter Dee Dee Penny talked about an overall aesthetic (and a new guitar pedal) that links things on the disk and for a band who puts out a lot of short burst EP’s this LP is sonically connected, if not overly long.
From the opening notes of “Cult of Love” a distinct Pat Benatar vibe is in effect and never leaves Too True. Dance driven echo drums, short guitar runs and fluttering vocals keep the early 80’s theme running strong on tracks like “Evil Blooms” and “In the Wake Of You” both tunes pair pulsing synths with low key fuzzy guitars. The short ballad “Are You Ok” would fit perfectly on MTV circa 1984 while “Little Minx” shows off some punchy dark pop.
Dee Dee has shifted a touch lyrically from needing those “Bedroom Eyes” on Only In Dreams, to observing the “Rimbaud Eyes” of her poetic object of affection here. “Too True To Be Good” also contains some killer lyrics and gorgeous backing vocals along with a bass and drum rumble making it a perfect title track.
“Lost Boys and Girls Club” flirts with dream pop over spacey cosmic riffs possibly hinting at another path the group could venture on down the road in a My Bloody Valentine vein. The cool sonic sheik flowing everywhere on Too True marks an evolution in the Dum Dum Girls trajectory whilepushing the group from the garage into disco halls and late night clubs.
