NYC's S-S-Spectres burried the Eagle's Nest (Northampton, MA) at sea Saturday night with their angular math core and interstitial tales of the dead and dying...er something. It's conceptual, and I don't have it all figured out yet. But sorrowful punk tales, or aggressive (sea) chantey core might begin to suggest what the trio known as S-S-Spectre produces.
Admittedly, this style of start-and-stop frantic rock with often indecipherable screams for lead vocals is not something that I know much about, follow, or crave, though I as a sixteen-year-old driving around aimlessly in Parkersburg, WV, my car's tape deck spun S-S-Spectres older cousin Fugazi, but with Dinosaur Jr., The Pixies, and R.E.M. getting the most airplay in my jalopy. But I was aware of the D.C. scene (Dischord) from friends, skaters, and a girl I met (and subsequently loved) in a Hardee's™ parking lot where the skaters tried their tricks and were harrassed by the fuzz. We drove to Fugazi shows in Columbus, OH, regularly and were always blown away for five bucks.
And with S-S-Spectres there are echoes of D.C. punk and hardcore, and the songs are delivered with a similarly high energy level. To be sure, there are intricate time changes and vocal-triggered switches that are impressive both LIVE and recorded. Melody does not play a large role in the songs. The guitar and bass play mostly percussive roles. On top of all this, there are often multiple vocals with distinct lyrics, so it's a lot to take in all at once. "Onslaught" comes to mind. Sudden onset aural input. Not s-s-something you hear everyday in the Valley. Different is Good™, right The River????? [cut to: Fly By Night Ad... fade out..."And now another hit from Van Morrisson..." (radio jab stolen from k.b.s.)]
Check them out here: http://www.myspace.com/sssspectres
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