Pharmacy of Love

Personnel: Carol van Dijk (vocals, guitar); Martijn Blankestijn (guitar, keyboards); Peter Visser (guitar); Herman Bunskoeke (bass guitar); Joppe Molenaar (drums).
Audio Mixer: Remko Schouten.
Recording information: Ijland Studio, Amsterdan (04/06/2009-04/10/2009); La Chapelle Studio, Waimes, Belgium (04/06/2009-04/10/2009); Ijland Studio, Amsterdan (2007); La Chapelle Studio, Waimes, Belgium (2007).
It seems odd to say so, but as of 2010, Bettie Serveert fit the very definition of a working band: no matter the time or fashion, the group keeps on keeping on, turning out strong guitar-laden indie pop. Pharmacy of Love is their eighth collection of originals, fitting firmly within the tradition they established back in 1992, but not sounding staid, not because the group turns their sound inside out, but rather because they dig deep inside, finding new wrinkles within familiar threads. Certainly, Pharmacy of Love contains all of Serveert's specialties: sharp, spiky punk-pop alternating with winding guitar tapestries, with "Calling" stretching out to nearly ten minutes -- -but there's a freshness in the familiarity, the band writing tight, catchy tunes and performing with a vigor that's palpable. If surprises are in short supply, the album is no less satisfying because of it; if anything, Pharmacy of Love stands as a testament to the pleasures of consistency. ~ ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine