Built to Spill

Caustin Resin EP (Up)
by Joshua Brown

Built to Spill, from Boise, Idaho, revolves around vocalist/guitarist Doug Martsch, formerly of Seattle’s Treepeople. The rest of the rotating line-up has included members of too many other Northwest bands to mention. Listening to his playfully serious gazes, you can’t help sensing that Mr. Martsch has a semi-urgent message for you, a singing telegram. This message is folded into a square knot of tight musicianship that is indie, pop, and Beatles-esque, while at the same time none of these things. The knot unties itself as the meandering songs unfold, and the telegram turns out to be one of warmly psychic proportions, like the feeling a long chat with a close friend over good coffee leaves you with.