This came out in 2004 – or at least that’s when I got it. Here’s what I said about it back then (with some minor editing):
There are four major bases in any reasonably successful band’s career path: Complete obscurity, cult heroism, mainstream popularity and inevitable hasbeendom.
Superlative Texas indie-rockers Centro-Matic have definitely passed first, appear to be comfortably settled on second — and seem to be in no hurry to make a play for third. Which could be a good thing — chiefly since it gives you plenty of time to catch up with this eclectic outfit fronted by prolific tunesmith and raspy mush-mouth Will Johnson.
Their new EP Flashes & Cables is as good a starting point as any. It has a handful of leftover tracks from their 2003 disc Love You Just the Same, along with four videos from various recent releases. Each one showcases their tantalizing sound, which fuses the southern-rock passion and grandeur of My Morning Jacket, the experimental eclecticism of Wilco and Flaming Lips, and the fuzzed-out loping grunge of Neil Young. With that much raw talent and obvious appeal in their arsenal, their time to move on up is nigh. Get on the bandwagon now.
