Iffy

Iffy features Kirk "KjustinJ" Johnson handling vocals, Dave Pederson covering guitar and keyboards, and Tom Merkl anchoring bass. National notice first arrived for KjustinJ and Merkl through their work in the Twin Tone and SST outfit Run Westy Run, whose 1990 release Green Cat Island was helmed by R.E.M.'s Peter Buck. Early performances also showcased KjustinJ's sibling Kraig Johnson, whose résumé already included stints in Run Westy Run, the Jayhawks, and roots-rock collective Golden Smog. Two Foodchain Records projects appeared in 2001—the Can-O-Cope EP and the full-length Biota Bondo. John Fields of Semisonic produced Biota Bondo, which the band tracked at its own Candyslippers studio. The record delivers upbeat neo-lounge pop driven by chilled-out dance beats engineered for peak summer heat and draws its character from the meeting of digital recording methods with analog source samples. Tom Rothrock, known for work with Beck and Elliott Smith, co-produced and mixed the track "Can-O-Cope" while also delivering a radio remix of the opening single "Double Dutch." Iffy further tapped Freddy Fresh and Q Burns Abstract Message to rework "Can-O-Cope" for a 12-inch single. One publication labeled the group's sound cowboy reggae, whereas KCRW host Jason Bentley opted for the tag "quirky indie pop." Iffy members cite fellow Minneapolis acts Hüsker Dü, Soul Asylum, and the Replacements among their influences, yet Prince's distinctive blend of funk, R&B, and pop also left a clear mark. "Duble Dutch" occupied summer 2001 in the same way Will Smith's "Summertime" defined 1991. Overall the band sits close to labelmates the Januaries yet operates at a higher energy level, evoking a blend of Hanson, Sugar Ray, and G Love and Special Sauce.