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I just received my top secret copy of The Infrareds' new disc, "Recorded on
Microfilm" & have to throw in my praises to Rory & the boys for once again
raising the bar on 21st century surf. There's some really great guitar work
here, but Matt & Keegan round out the rhythm section with unbridled intesity
and force. Basically the whole CD is really wicked with ample reverb of the
icepick variety. Comprising mostly studio tracks with some live clips at the
end, the disc is just rippin' surf with tight stops, quick changes and good
arrangements, augmented by the essential rhythm guitar track and occasional
organ. There's something here for everyone that enjoys a little kick in the
surf sack - great uptempo ragers as well as haunting medium tempo spy songs -
sporadic audio clips (my favorite being #7 "Shut up or I'll cut it off, I don't
have time to F*CK around, just give me the film" ) - so disc jockeys beware -
that song requires a manual cue job before 10pm (probably after 10, too).
Alot of bands come to mind when listening to this disc for various reasons - the
real burning songs hint at raw energy and vintage tone of Japanese artists like
The Royal Fingers or The El Caminos (or The Wangs from France), while some of
the more sinister tracks remind me of Jonny & The Shamen or early MOAM circa
"Project Infinity" - still vicious in their own right, but with a hint of
intrigue.
This recording picks up right where my polluted memories from playing with them
last year left off (which coincidentally was politely refusing their invitation
to party in TJ at 2am). Still, I can't wait to play with them in two weeks -
we're opening for YOU this time, MFers. Anyone that's within a generous
radius of their tour stops should definitely witness this in person (and pick up
the disc at the show).
It's rare enough that a non-west coast band like The Nebulas (or more recently
Daikaiju) plays out west, but what's even more rare is a west coast surf band
launching a nationwide tour - certainly and event not to be missed.
-tfj-
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