Angry Businessmen

S/T TAPE OUT NOW ON NPNR TAPES !
Available at shows or $5 PPD in the Americas.
Angry Businessmen, Self Titled: This was the third release on the NPNR cassette only label and it neatly sums up the spirit and philosophy of the label, band and 715 Panhandle house that was the physical foundation for the culture that made this release possible. And although the tape's sides are divided into "Awesome" and "Bodacious," this young band is definitely spooked by some serious topics.
The articulate punk is introduced by some smart aleck samples that run almost as a narrative throughout the tape. The music and singing is at times reminiscent of The Big Boys in not only subject matter ("Fraternicide"), but also in the soulful approach that is especially evident on the occassional instrumentals that are like stumbling on an old box of scratchy obscure surf and soul 45's.
The tape features an explosive opening in the form of the group's "Theme Song", a long running tradition of many great hardcore acts. Nuanced and melodic basslines carry the songs against lead singer Clint's throat shredding and some Rudimentary Peni style backing shouts. The drumming is wonderfully understated with the bare necessities of snare, tom, and cymbal sans bass drum.
This isn't just frantic, hateful hardcore, but high concept minimalism with an emphasis on staying enthusiastic, involved and unpretentious, a message that avoids overpowering dogmatism. The sixteen tracks climax with the live favorite, "Galveston," a "dead zone" conscious environmental anthem that will ring true for anyone who's ever walked those cursed beaches. The delivery, though angry (duh), is at once light-hearted and firm, and is one of the most charmingly convincing arguments against selling out I heard all year. Now when's it going to be on Itunes?
(5 stars) (Defensive Listening of weshotjr.com )
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