Reference points are funny things. One of the most striking things about both Pains of Being Pure at Heart records is the extent to which their influences are so unabashedly visible - and yet, listening to Wild Nothing's rather sweet Gemini, it's the Pains themselves who are one of the most obvious reference points, particularly their first lp. Other albums and artists that come to mind over the course of Gemini - Neon Golden, the Radio Dept, the Cure (especially Disintegration / Wish), the Stone Roses, Cocteau Twins (particularly on "Drifter"), Blonde Redhead (mainly on "Confirmation")...a list of influences and fellow travellers reflecting conspicuously good taste. The album itself is very enjoyable too, more than the sum of its influences, and nicely diverse while in some ways held together by the band's clear appreciation for the greats who've come before them.
