Tap Tap's initial tag was that they were the U.K. equivalent of
Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, and there's definitely something of that astringent, choppy
post-punk with high vocals feeling to what's at work. But there's a key difference --
Tap Tap, a one-man act (one
Sir Thomas Sanders, whose nobility may or may not be in question) with some help here and there -- brings in
Wire and the
Minutemen to the equation thanks to many of the song lengths, which if not quite so abbreviated aren't out to waste any time. As a result,
Lanzafame is just about what it needs to be: quick, enjoyable, and at its best a fine twist on the continuing late-'70s/early-'80s revival. Perhaps intentionally, the longest song (at five minutes) is the first,
"100,000 Thoughts" serves as a good statement of purpose thanks to the brisk but brawling drums, the immediate if minimal acoustic/electric guitar melody, and
Sanders' unquestionably ghost-of-
David Byrne (and a bit of
Andy Partridge) vocals. But after that it's one quick hit after another, and while this is ultimately pleasant instead of deathless -- a little more variety in the musical approach wouldn't hurt, though the general formula is attractive regardless --
Tap Tap shows definite promise throughout. Song titles have a bit of welcome wryness at points (
"Way to Go, Boy," "What a Clever Thing to Say"), while
Sanders' ability at overdubbed harmonies and vocal counterpoints --
"To Our Continuing Friendship" is a good example -- serves him well throughout. Standouts include
"Little Match (Big Fire)," where the rhythm punch is at its strongest,
"Way to Go, Boy"'s
ska-tinged skip and the lower-key in comparison
"Talk Slowly." ~ Ned Raggett
![Winks & Kisses [20th Anniversary Deluxe Edition]](http://prodimage.images-bn.com/pimages/0762183847123_p0_v2_s90x140.jpg "Winks & Kisses [20th Anniversary Deluxe Edition]")
![[Untitled]](http://prodimage.images-bn.com/pimages/0190296883675_p0_v1_s90x140.jpg "[Untitled]")
