A lot of bands have distinct political views. In fact, whole genres have been associated with certain political uproars and protest. Punk is a perfect example, and so is the white supremacy hardcore scene that opposes to the origal punk ideology. In 1979, a label was founded by punk legend Jello Biafra who was (and is) also an activist and a provocateur. Alternative Tentacles, as the label was called, quickly became a household name in the punk and noiserock scenes. Personally, I always associated Alternative Tentacles with fighting for freedom, and protesting for a better life for all of us.
It's not really a coincidence that I'm reminded of this legendary record label when I listen to this
new Tyranny Is Tyranny album. This might as wel have been released by Alternative Tentacles, both for the music and for the message within. This quartet from Madison, Wisconsin (USA) delivers a stunning combination of post-rock, noiserock and hardcore, loaded with activism and a healty dose of distrust towards their own government.
There are five songs on this album, respectively lasting for seven, seven, seven, four and fourteen minutes. This length is mainly due to the elaborate post-rock passages. Without these, this album would be a brutal, devastating sludge and noiserock album that would be very hard to digest (for most people). The heavy parts are intense and drive on riffs that often remind me of several mathcore bands. But it is the combination of these genres that keeps the album interesting.
When I close my eyes, I can see these guys playing a very intense set at Cul-De-Sac during the annual Incubate festival in Tilbrg (NL), entertaining a rampageous crowd. Not everybody knows this bar so I'll explain. During this festival mostly noiserock bands play in that café and it really looks like the perfect setting for this raw, raging sound by Tyranny Is Tyranny. A track like 'Or Will It Explode?' will definitely explode in that venue (as well as many others).
Each song is built with a combination of calm passages and violent outbursts. My favourite track 'She Who Struggles' is no exception but the build-up is perfect and the climax is stunning. The long closing song 'Victory Will Defeat You' contains some of the most impressive post-rock passages I've heard in a while. Besides, this song will be in my 'best-songtitles-ever' list. Think about this sentence for a while. It's genius.
Anyway, the sun is shining today and tomorrow will be a cold, rainy day. So if you'll excuse me, I'm going to the local park to scream at pigeons for a while. They deserve it. Noiserockers of all ages, check out Tyranny Is Tyranny. They made an excellent and highly enjoyable album that is well worth your attention. If you have the chance, see them live, you'll be amazed...
Serge
It's not really a coincidence that I'm reminded of this legendary record label when I listen to this
new Tyranny Is Tyranny album. This might as wel have been released by Alternative Tentacles, both for the music and for the message within. This quartet from Madison, Wisconsin (USA) delivers a stunning combination of post-rock, noiserock and hardcore, loaded with activism and a healty dose of distrust towards their own government.
There are five songs on this album, respectively lasting for seven, seven, seven, four and fourteen minutes. This length is mainly due to the elaborate post-rock passages. Without these, this album would be a brutal, devastating sludge and noiserock album that would be very hard to digest (for most people). The heavy parts are intense and drive on riffs that often remind me of several mathcore bands. But it is the combination of these genres that keeps the album interesting.
When I close my eyes, I can see these guys playing a very intense set at Cul-De-Sac during the annual Incubate festival in Tilbrg (NL), entertaining a rampageous crowd. Not everybody knows this bar so I'll explain. During this festival mostly noiserock bands play in that café and it really looks like the perfect setting for this raw, raging sound by Tyranny Is Tyranny. A track like 'Or Will It Explode?' will definitely explode in that venue (as well as many others).
Each song is built with a combination of calm passages and violent outbursts. My favourite track 'She Who Struggles' is no exception but the build-up is perfect and the climax is stunning. The long closing song 'Victory Will Defeat You' contains some of the most impressive post-rock passages I've heard in a while. Besides, this song will be in my 'best-songtitles-ever' list. Think about this sentence for a while. It's genius.
Anyway, the sun is shining today and tomorrow will be a cold, rainy day. So if you'll excuse me, I'm going to the local park to scream at pigeons for a while. They deserve it. Noiserockers of all ages, check out Tyranny Is Tyranny. They made an excellent and highly enjoyable album that is well worth your attention. If you have the chance, see them live, you'll be amazed...
Serge
