Self Destruct Button
Juice Tiger // 2009, Tower Control
myspace.com/selfdestructbutton
I was surprised by the lyrical content running through this album, since over the last 2 years that I’ve been digging their live sets, they have been exclusively an instrumental act (although, they have had singers in the past – SDB has had a revolving line-up for some 7 or more years now). It’s an important note, because the musicianship displayed on this incredible album is like a master class in experimental post-punk instrumentation, where lyrics are no longer necessary…but the addition of the distorted sung/screamed group vocals really bump their sound into a more accessible realm – who doesn’t like to sing along to an anthem here and there? The guitar work thrown down by virtuosos Brendan Sedlak and Rich Raponi create an ever changing web of single line solos, shredded at insanely fast tempos, weaving in and out of each other…and it somehow, manages to stay clear, tight, and devoid of chaos. There’s really something kind of airy and light riding over the heavy thickness. The drummer, Nate Scheible, pounds out some of the most complex, mathematic time signatures on the planet…his ability to hit a break and change time at the drop of a hat is truly impressive. The icing on the cake is Ron Kretsch’s bass/keys/guitar/vocals…which help to keep their sound in a constant moment of the “now” – changing, evolving and moving well beyond any sense of monotony. It’s a “tigery prime cut” on 45 rpm vinyl, and should be a part of every Cleveland music fan’s collection.
- Ian P.E.
- – -
SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL RECORD STORES! All of these albums are available at: My Mind’s Eye, Music Saves, Bent Crayon, Blue Arrow Records and a few other local shops.
