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G
‘n f’n DS have a tremendous advantage over the current slew
of aggressive rock acts. Amongst their weaponry are such elements
as: a working understanding of dynamics, the ability to create
variety in songs, intelligence compounded with integrity and
an almost fanatical SF fan following. This disc was recorded
in real time at the Bottom Of The Hill. Not a gimmick, really.
More of an extension of the theatrical band.
The
three guys and three gals in this group have somehow formed
a family of exciting sounds. They rip on the sugarcoated industry
in "Professional Pop" and "Death Of Rock and Roll." This
is explosive stuff with a good feel. It hits the heights,
slows down to pick up those it lost, and takes off again.
At one point, the inventive band makes neat train noises in
unison. There’s clever wordplay like "AEIOU nothing" on
the hardpressed "Animal." "The Toughest Thing" is thrilling,
with powerful emotion like Stiff Little Fingers. Killian "Killer"
MacGeraghty sings with aggressive fire like fellow countrymen
New Model Army.
Gentleness
takes over the show at this point. The subject of "Little
Tornado" is the frustration of living with your mate.
The understated music mirrors this by walking on eggshells.
Light, snare rolls beneath the polka bass. When the tension
in "Throwaway People" seems to reach its apex, another hill
appears on the horizon. Then "Spirit" prances through a lovely
meadow while the underlying drug tale sneaks through. The
innocuous tune hides the lyrics—"Like a morphine drip/A double
dose LSD trip."
With
more bruising guitar work, "Wasting Precious Time" is theatric
in a hippie musical sort of way. Intense chanting and great
drive make this political piece work. "What I Hate About Punks"
would have made a recent "punk rock opera" much better. Many
would agree, "They took a good thing and made a bad thing."
Megan Reitan soars exactly like Polly Styrene. Full steam
on "Thief for Love," a rocker with lots of meat. It
seems to be a take on "Mrs. Robinson," if I have my imagery
correct. "Sundae" for dessert is cryptic and sweet and features
a 50-guitar orchestra!
The
music is mature and exciting with original drumming. Throughout
the pointed messages and outbursts of emotion, mankind remains
positive and hopeful. This crew knows their stuff and yours.
It’s catchy without being crap. The varied flavors make for
a fantastic record from a phenomenal band.
-Ewan
Wadharmi
Track
Listing:
- Professional
Pop
- Animal
- Death
Of Rock ‘N Roll
- The
Fat Police
- The
Toughest Thing
- Little
Tornado
- Throwaway
People
- Spirit
- Wasting
Precious Time
- What
I Hate About Punks
- Thief
For Love
- Sundae
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Gun & Doll Show
