Fresh from the liver

Swiss bands have traditionally had a hard time rocking out and producing catchy tunes as well as being dynamic. The Zurich quartet Annie Taylor - named after the 63-year-old teacher who was the first to plunge down Niagara Falls in a barrel in 1901 and survive the adventure - has no such problems. In terms of instrumental expertise, Gini Jungi (vocals, guitar), Tobias Arn (guitar), Michael Mutter (bass) and drummer Daniel Bachmann, who recently joined the band from Winterthur post-Krautrockers Klaus Johann Grobe, could certainly also serve up virtuoso neo-progressive rock. Thank God they don't want to do that. Instead, on their second album they have remained true to the organic blend of post-grunge, garage and pop rock that made their debut three years ago so lively. Sweet Mortality scratched the Swiss album charts at the time and earned the band a long series of national and international festival appearances. The self-confidence gained in this way oozes from every groove of Inner Smile.

For the recordings, they moved to Bristol, where they spent the days in the studio of producer Ali Chant, who has also worked with PJ Harvey, Yard Act, Katy J Pearson (a favorite of Jungi) and Aldous Harding. At night, they retreated to the villa and honed the ideas of the past few hours. The sound has become much more versatile. Boisterously rumbling pop-punk numbers (Schoolgirl) are contrasted by catchy songs in which the loud/quiet dynamic developed by the Pixies is skillfully applied (Push Me). Ride High is Californian "sunshine pop", so to speak, even Fucking Upset finds room for a few thoughtful moments, and Sister lives not least from the glorious bass riff. The gifted singer, songwriter and frontwoman Jungi dominates the proceedings with aplomb. Conclusion: a terrific live band, skillfully preserved on vinyl.

Annie Taylor: Inner Smile. Cab Gauche Records TGR 037 (Vinyl)