“AUGUSTA, GA - At the end of my first couple of sit-downs with their new album, I was afraid that it might not be fair to Motorik to review them only three months after writing about PR-mates Caves. After all, both groups take liberal cues from the classic new-wave outfits, and sound like they would be equally capable of blowing a few hundred bucks on eBay for a vintage Police poster. Plus, “Get On With It” was a stellar album, and I still have the title track superballing around my frontal lobe.
     When you really dig into “Klang!” however, it becomes readily evident that Motorik is more entrenched in post-punk and kraut rock (their name’s not a giveaway at all) than in dance-ready garage boogie. Sure, most of these tracks are catchy enough to coax a jerky nod from even the stiffest of necks, but the trio executes their grooves with an underlying iciness that renders their hooks as sinister as they are potent; opener “Or So I Thought,” with its gut-punch bass lines and lead fills sleek enough to resemble synthesizers, is a prime example.
     The band is rock-solid and synched-up, but guitarist Adrian Garver may turn out to the affair’s most unsung hero, with a playing style more layered, inspired, and nuanced variety than typical genre mainstays. His gritty closing lead on “Utopia Parkway” pierces the ears and clasps the throat, while “Potent Kiss’” harsh power chords give way to snake-like diminished riffs.
    By the time the chaotic feedback of moody closer “Six Filters”—incidentally the only track on here that might fit the “Lost Boys” soundtrack—segues into a cap-off drum march, you’re probably going to be bewildered enough to give “Klang!” a second listen. And that’s how they getcha.”

 

-Josh Ruffin, Metro Spirit

 

“… I’ll take a few seconds today to tell you about Klang!, the forthcoming debut LP from Seattle-based trio Motorik. The band’s official bio (which sorely needs to be rewritten) compares it to such 1980s mainstays as Echo and the Bunnymen and Killing Joke, and the group’s publicist swears singer Sio sounds like a female Robert Smith, though I don’t hear it. To me, Motorik combines the dance-punk fervor of The Rapture with the caustic vocals of PJ Harvey, enhanced with the plunky basslines of early Cure material.

Either way, the nine songs featured on Klang! are punchy, fun balls of postpunk revelry with just enough pop to keep your ears sweetened amongst the sometimes salty delivery. “Six Filters” will have you double-checking your iPod to see how Siouxsie and the Banshees got on there, while “Box of Knives” finally answers the question, “What would an Interpol/The Duke Spirit collaboration sound like?” Thanks to Motorik, you’ll wonder no more.”

 – PJ Perez, Bleeding Neon

 

“The driving bassline that kicks off "Or So I Thought," the first track on the debut CD from this Seattle three-piece, is keenly reminiscent of a NW rock sound that many undedicated fans have sadly thrown to the wayside. When the rhythmically wrenching guitar barrels in, mirroring the steady beat of the drums, it becomes crystal clear that this is neither an homage to fond memories or an attempt to drum up some retro appeal. While you can certainly detect the influence of past bands these folks may have a bit in common with (The Gits and 7 Year Bitch come to mind), this is a movement with little to no interest in retreading ground that's already been amply covered. Instead, they've locked in on a sound that's distinct: a collision of three instruments and a vocalist who has a knack for making you the best kind of nervous and uneasy. While she hammers the bass and accentuates some of the semi-abstract rhythms with her words, you might be too enamored to focus on the guitar work, but you'd be wise to take note. Equally adept at powering it out ("Patent Kiss") or getting a bit more groove-specific ("Robert Palmer"), the playing provides a solid complement to the intensity emanating from the other members. There's a raw and inimitable energy that good three-piece rock bands can exude if the members connect on the right level. These three connect.”

-Brad @ CD Baby

 

“It seems that certain British sound of new wave is appearing in the nooks and crannies of the local scene. One such nook contains Motorik a brilliant example of neo-new wave. Pun intended. The singer sounds very much like Robert Smith of The Cure and the music is reminiscent of Gang of Four and Echo and the Bunnymen. There is even a Devo like bass riff on the last song on the player on their profile, Six Filters. It's prominent at first then the drumming takes it down a darker path. But, the standout is "Box of Knives". If there was ever a Bauhaus influence on a song, this must be it. New wave rising, folks."
-www.myspace.com/radiofreeseattle
 

"This 9 song CD (recorded by Jack Endino at SoundHouse and Gary Mula at Calleye) is all heart and no nonsense. They have the sound of a garage rock band with punk influences. Three tracks to pay attention to are 2> box of knives, 4> it’s just sugar and 5> utopia parkway.

Box of knives is the sound of a San Francisco smoke filled punk club in the late 80’s. Towards the end of the track, guitarist Adrian Garver (D.C. Beggars) plays a high pitched siren like riff that defines the entire CD. My favorite is a track called it’s just sugar. Sio’s (Andover 7, Nod and Smile) intense vocals offer no amnesty for the casual listener. She’s not trying to make friends, she’s belting out painful memories (or so it seems by this listener). Finally, utopia parkway is what you get when your drummer isn’t going to take no for an answer. In fact, drummer Hoagie Gero (D.C. Beggars) is tight, loud and extremely creative throughout this CD. I mean, who is this guy anyway?

Klang! is an ambitious garage rock CD that could have easily fell short of it’s destination. A lesser band would have turned around and gone home. Instead, the combination of these three artists manage to demonstrate what good instincts and a healthy disregard for “SOS” can do. I loved it!"

-Cedric Ross / Culture Mob