Saturday, October 17, 2009

Review: Victor! Fix The Sun - Person Place or Thing


Label: Friction Records

Released: October 20, 2009

Albums that rely heavily on noisy dissonance and angular rhythms as a means of expression seldom even dabble in accessibility, but Person Place or Thing, the latest from Michigan's mathy post-punkers Victor! Fix the Sun, is clear evidence of what's missing from that narrow view.

From the ringing guitar and wild, frantic drumming that opens the album, it's obvious that this isn't just another post-punk exercise. The album constantly soars on one hand while grounding itself at the same time and this tension is its energy. "We Come from the Northwoods" breaks free of its simple, agitated roots into an amazing progressive flight. Early on, "Blind Man's Bluff" gives a nod to CCR before turning the corner into a wild punk tune. The title track's hard rock groove tugs firmly on its frenetic undercurrent. The laid back bass line and mellow hooky guitar part on "Paperthin Feather Fuck" is in direct contrast to the raw emotion that drops in and out with masterful aplomb. "Infested, Mother Approved" has gentle layering and airy, trippy passages while the rhythm wraps it as tight as a straight-jacket.

Throughout, Victor! Fix the Sun shows an innate sense of where the songs themselves want to go and they follow that rather than leading and overthinking. Person Place or Thing follows a fine tradition of bands that use style and genre in the way other bands use instruments. Rather than taking the narrow road, they explore the broad vistas that view music without limits.

Don't miss this one on vinyl. It comes in either amber or maroon (the maroon is beautiful) and the album art looks great in its full 12 inches. A free download offers the best of both worlds, so you can't go wrong.

Ratings
Satriani: 7/10
Zappa: 8/10
Dylan: 7/10
Aretha: 9/10
Overall: 8/10

Myspace



If you're curious about my rating categories, read the description.

Labels: , , , ,

3 Comments:

Blogger Josh Rawling said...

this video doesn't even do their live show justice! they are one of the best bands to see live... ever. no matter how big or little the stage. I picked up their album yesterday after they played at Sound It Out records. GREAT is all I can say.

12:26 PM  
Blogger Josh Rawling said...

This comment has been removed by the author.

12:26 PM  
Blogger RevolvingImages said...

Hey, I was wondering if you'd be so kind to let me know which tracks are on side A and which tracks are on side B. This is for a music database website (http://rateyourmusic.com). Thanks!

3:28 PM  

Post a Comment

<< Home