QuasiAmerican Gong
Kill Rock Stars [2010]
Fire Note Says: Instantly gratifying!
Album Review:
Referring to their Facebook description is a perfect place to begin when talking about Quasi. It states that "Quasi is a band made up of three friends from Portland, OR. Sam rocks the guitar or keyboard, Joanna plays bass, and Janet sings and pounds the drumkit. They used to be a two-piece, but now really enjoy wearing power trio hats. Quasi shows are fun." Well after the release of American Gong (the bands 8th record), Quasi shows are going to be even more fun, as this now power trio rocks out 10 songs with more vigor and attitude then we have seen from them in some time. Right from the kick off distortion in lead track "Repulsion", you get the feeling that this round is going to be different. The first piece of this new attitude is the addition of bassist Joanna Bolme (Stephen Malkmus & Jicks) that adds a complete new rhythmic direction for the group, while longtime member Janet Weiss (Sleater-Kinney) gets to completly let loose on the skins. Of course these two members are tied together by Sam Coomes vocals and intricately loud guitar. Longtime fans might miss the inter playing of the ex-married couple Coomes and Weiss, but giving Quasi the full fledged band attack works out to perfection. You still get the catchy backing vocals but American Gong is loaded with depth and really is a fun listen. There are multiple songs to chime along loudly with as "Little White Horse" is one of the bands most cranking tracks in their catalog, with its 90's alt edge and veteran laid back approach, the song simply plants firmly in your brain. It is the inclusion of smart lyrics, rowdy instrumentation, an undertone of pop hooks and a spirit of a debut group (although the core duo have been together 17 years), that makes American Gong one of Quasi's most enjoyable records to date!
Key Tracks: "Repulsion", "Little White Horse", "Rockabilly Party"
Bands With Similar Fire:
Dinosaur Jr.
X
Pavement
Official Quasi Website
Quasi MySpace
Quasi Facebook
Kill Rock Stars
-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta
0 comments:
Post a Comment