!!! – Strange Weather, Isn’t It?
Warp: 2010
Strange Weather, Isn’t It?, the latest album from Sacramento based band !!! (commonly pronounced chk chk chk) combines Prince-like pop with heavy dance beats, resulting in a confident (if sometimes clunky) contribution to the increasingly expanding dance-punk genre.
Opener “AM/FM” rides along happily on congas, bass and reverb-resplendent electronics. Singer Nic Offer lays down vocals that serve as more instrument than conduit. The beats drive the show here. Not that that’s always a bad thing. “Jamie, My Intentions Are Bass” is a slinky number that’s reminiscent of a 70s funk jam, compete with a “Twist & Shout”-esque build-up, only with a deeper dance freak-out vibe. “I just want to put some flowers/I wanna put them right in your face.” The song works because of its over-the-top exuberance.
In other places, the albums eagerness comes across as desperate cover-ups for mediocre messages. “Even Judas Gave Jesus A Kiss” stands out for its title, but Offer’s voice isn’t strong enough to nail the message (essentially, that his ex is a bitch). The track improves when the riffs take flight into unbridled jams, but the song then fades, failing to capitalize on their finally-there momentum.
So throw on Strange Weather when lyrics aren’t a priority. Or better yet, catch them live. It’s usually better to experience strange weather firsthand, isn’t it?
2.5 out of 5
