PLEDGE DRIVE: Second Impressions: CS

Jul 28, 2020

My inherent tendency to discount anything released on cassette simply by virtue of its having been released on cassette was thwarted by these six songs from this Chicago six-piece. So much for my boundless integrity! They kinda sound like what would happen if four-fifths of X-Ray Spex joined forces with two-fifths of the Mekons (when the Mekons were still somewhat normal), but with Roxy Epoxy singing instead of Poly Styrene—i.e., like a cross between second wave 1978 punk and first wave 1979 post-punk, but from Chicago. And, unlike other leading sextets with saxophone and keyboard players (admittedly I can only think of the Psychedelic Furs right at this second but that example should suffice), I wouldn’t imagine that they are under the impression that they are scrawling darkly inspirational blank verse across the filthy dinge of urban existence; they seem more like they are out to basically amuse themselves, which certainly works for me. I was particularly amused by “Pyramid Scheme,” as the guy who had the locker next to me in high school is a total right-wing nut job and also an Herbalife zillionaire. I don’t have his money but I do have this song, so I’m calling it even and I thank the band for having my back. More please! BEST SONG: “Pyramid Scheme.” BEST SONG TITLE: Either “(I Get My) Protein” or “I Googled Your Boyfriend.” FANTASTIC AMAZING TRIVIA FACT: “I Googled Your Boyfriend” and “Identity Theft” are transposed in the track listings. –Rev. Nørb (What’s For Breakfast, wfbrecords.com)

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