Fossil

Crumb (Sire)
by Sheril Stanford

When was the last time you heard lyrics using the word “prurient?” Somehow, Fossil manages to get away with it in “Prurient Bess,” a song presumably about masturbation. (“Prurient Bess, never forgets, hers is the hand that knows her the best… Prurient Bess, writhe, writhe, writhe…”) “Pretty” is the word that comes to mind when you hear “Moon,” the first track off Fossil’s four-song EP Crumb (Sire): pretty lyrics, pretty vocals, pretty melodic guitar riffs. Nothing threatening here, not a trace of anger, menace or defiance. Just plain pretty. Hell, there’s even a lullaby on this EP. Lyrics to “Tim” in their entirety: “Lullaby, you’re so tired, shut your eyes, goodnight…” The song “Grasping,” a word that tilts you toward questing, control, and possession, opens with “I’m happy, yes I am…” What is this? These four guys are from New Jersey, after all. How happy can they be?

As light and happy as this band seems to be, they’re serious about their music. Crumb was recorded at Waterfront Studios in Hoboken, the favored spot of Lenny Kravitz. The band is managed by Hilly Kristal of CBGB fame, and Black 47 has picked them up for a couple of tour dates. Fossil’s live shows are apparently a fascinating blend of music and cinema, a result of lead vocalist Bob O’Gureck’s amateur filmmaker status. Not your usual stuff.