Ultimate Power Duo - New Normal

A misnomer, this ensemble is neither ultimate nor a duo. But, ‘killer power trio’ does indeed describe them well. Blending the angularity of old school Drive Like Jehu riffage with some Pixies-style feedback, this band’s sophomore long player will be hipster marmalade for the whole summer if they are on top of things. Noam Disco and Jack the Space/Time Continuum Ripper stand out on this. The female backup vocals are instantly reminiscent of the rave-up that Murder City Devils served up, while the three-piece garage blues rock with a snappy mod bent is reminiscent of the Fake Cops meeting the White Stripes: discreet and dirty, simple and driven to the point. This could have easily became an EP, with more than enough b-side filler to release three good singles. But, if this is the New Normal, I’m inclined to stop bellyaching and play it loud.

Published in Volume 63, Number 26 of The Uniter (April 2, 2009)

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