There’s nothing unfamiliar in Strike a Match, and by the time I was done listening to song three I was about ready to give it a “solid” review and move on. But something stopped me. Honestly, I’m not even sure what. Actually, that’s not true—I do know. It was the rhythms. The rhythm got me.
The duo of Rachel Aggs and Eilidh Rodgers was borne of indie poppers Golden Grrrls, who broke up and left this pair standing tall in their wake. You can still hear traces of power indie pop here—jangly guitar that’s all hook (listen to “Empty Body” and you’ll see what I mean)—but the thing that sells this album is the interplay between Aggs’ bass and Rodgers’ drums. Listen to the title track if you don’t believe me. It’s like two serpents winding down a path in synchronicity. Yeah, it’s still soft and light—the way pop is supposed to be—but it’s undeniably intricate in its subtlety. Oh, and then there’s the vocals, which do practically the same thing.
These are two musicians who clearly bring out the best in each other, and an album that is deceptively great!
