//Album Review: Fucked up
So the other day, Dan and I were listening to the new record from Fucked Up, David comes to life. Knowing that the review would go up on Friday, we decided to have some fun. Dan and I would both write reviews, making sure not to look at what each other was writing, and compare the two when we were through. Below is the result of this Frunday (get it?) challenge.
There are certain guarantees when it comes to bands the names of which are as profane as that of Fucked Up. A lot of screaming? Check. Screeching guitar solos and heart pounding drums? Check. General heaviness? Definitely a check. We’ve all familiar with the list, and it stays pretty consistent from hardcore band to hardcore band. Fucked Up, however, throws a new category into the mix: Quality musicianship.
David Comes To Life is the name of Fucked Up’s third studio album and their second while signed to Matador Records. As a whole, I liked the record. The band has been stepping over lines in the sand since they formed back in 2001, and this album serves at yet another challenge accepted. I don’t like using the term ‘rock opera’, so I won’t, but David Comes To Life is kinda like that. The record has a pretty involved storyline that started a long time ago, probably before Fucked Up was officially a band, and takes a few listens with well trained ears to begin to understand. Essentially, the plot follows the life and times of David Eliade. Explosives, sweet death and the misplacement of shoes follow Eliade through the record as his story is told by an unnamed narrator. To add another layer of complexity to the situation, David Eliade is actually not a fictional character–though his name might be– and acts as Fucked Up’s manager and political/spiritual counselor. Whoa.
Being that the record follows a story, the songs on the record act as one and hinge off one another. That is to say, the first song leads into second and so on. This makes for a fairly intense experience, so much so that people new to Fucked Up might have a tough time pushing through at first. After all, David Comes To Life is nothing short of an 18 song sonic onslaught lead by Pink Eyes (Damian Abraham) and his wildy talented –though possibly deranged– bandmates. Seriously though, listen for riffs in ‘Turn The Season’ and ‘A Little Death’; the talent is undeniable.
Favourite songs on the album are ‘Queen Of Hearts’, ‘Remember My Name’ and ‘Lights Go Up’ with ‘A Slanted Tone’ (just so I can take a breather for a second) and ‘Recursive Girl’ as close runners up.
Fucked Up, or at least David Comes To Life, is a witches brew of a lot of other bands. A dash of Dropkick Murphys, a pinch of Cannibal Corpse and even a smidge of classic punk all mix together to create a one of a kind experience that honors rather than disgraces the band’s influences. This is going to sound really weird, but as a music lover who’s musical past is scattered across the board, this record makes me a bit sentimental. It reminds me of sneaking out of my house and into hardcore shows at Lupos (the real Lupos) and getting rocked for a few hours while my family was sleeping.
I won’t go as far as to say that Fucked Up and this new record will bring out the kid in everyone. But if a fast moving tsunami of primal screams and fervent instrumentals is what you’re into, then allow me to introduce you to the most beachin’ lifeguards watching over this Summer’s indie punk scene. They are Fucked Up, and this is their ocean of noise.
NRTIII
#APKALLDAY
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I’ve been listening to aggressive music for a long time, but for a while there, I had nearly abolished it from every playlist. However, feelings have a tendency to return and recently the energy in heavier music and attention grabbing punk and indie rock have come back to me. I’ve been listening to bands like Cage the Elephant, Colour Revolt, Thrice, Neutral Milk Hotel and Descendants as of late and while it doesn’t make me feel mature, it surely stimulates my brain and gives me that old familiar energy of my youth.
So when the raspy vocal stylings of Father Damian/Pink Eyes (no kidding) ricocheted of the walls at //A p K, I sat up in my seat. I felt like I was hearing new Hot Water Music, with a massive hardcore Andre the Giant fronting the band. I’ve long believed that great music insists that we quickly form an opinion if we love it or hate it. David Comes to Life, is the new offering from Fucked Up (out on Matador) and I fucking love it.
It demands your attention when its playing anywhere nearby and the high energy punk assault feels simultaneously original and classically familiar. The catch here is that great punk records really need no explanation– I’ve never had to explain to someone why London Calling is perfect; it just is. This new Fucked Up record flirts with Punk perfection more than any punk album of recent past. If you’re ready to dig on fast beats and super muddy guitar tones, you’ll be truly satisfied with David Comes to Life. Matador records will have a hit within the scene with this record. These guys dragged out the old bones of our true punk rock descendants and used them to beat us over the head with a great new punk album. Guest appearances come from standout contributors Kurt Vile, the Vivian Girls, Jennifer Castle and Cults’ Maddy Follin certainly help the group gain continued attention. Pick it up if you can and don’t feel guilty to shed some of that energy with this Fucked Up record.
DN
#APKALLDAY
