 06/11/2008 NUTS AND BOLTS: Jeffrey McGrath - vocals, guitar, Michael Bouzoukis - organ, bass, Emmanuel Nicolaidis - drums
STOMPING GROUND: Baltimore, Maryland, formed 2005
SET TO SOUNDTRACK: Hipsters drinking black coffee and musing on Nietzsche
DESTINED TO UPSET: Those of a delicate disposition
YOU’RE IN BUSINESS IF YOU LIKE: Sonic Youth, Mars, Fugazi, Tortoise, Shellac
Thank You are a welcome shot in the arm for a gradually dwindling avant-punk scene Stateside. With the Yeah Yeah Yeahs moving further away from their New York no-wave roots and Fugazi on permanent hiatus, this trio of scuzz merchants is flying the independent flag high and proud.
The band’s latest LP, ‘Terrible Two,’ is a sprawling soundscape of abrasive guitars, tinny drums slipping out of time and the occasional vocal chant. With the treble pushed to the limit and earbleeding avalanches of noise, you’re not in for an easy ride, but over the course of their lengthy tracks, Thank You slide into odd, sparse, serene moments of soothing organ and delicate guitar. If you need proof of their calibre, J Robbins, the man behind Yeasayer and Jets To Brazil, and Chris Coady, of Yeah Yeah Yeahs and TV On The Radio fame, are fans.
‘Terrible Two’ is out now (Thrill Jockey)
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