Monday, 21 April 2008

NO AGE – ERASER (SUB POP)


NO AGE – ERASER (SUB POP)

There is still something undeniably exciting about pulling a seven inch out of its sleeve to see the Sub Pop label and huge jukebox hole cut out of the middle. I am already satisfied.

Along with Times New Viking, No Age represent the great white hope for this year, a couple of fully paid up snappy noiseniks looking to override all at their disposal as soon as possible. This is the return of lo-fi.

There is a youthful feel to this release, a flighty shout of optimism and playing seemingly that borders on inept when really a trained ear knows it is supposed to sound that way.

“Eraser” is a brief blast of nonchalance with its swirling mini My Bloody Valentine guitars coupled with Superchunk sounding vocals which all in all struggles to make sense standing on its own, this not a very listener friendly choice for a single. This however appears to be what the No Age attitude is about, being difficult, brattish and selfish.

The three songs housed on side B make more sense echoing an adventure of Robert Pollard as his most obtuse and challenging. Certainly they are as productive as Mr Pollard, in more than one way.

No Age appear to have two kinds of songs in their arsenal – plodding noise work outs and fiery pieces of snarl that contain the fattest hooks known to lo-fi man. This release is most definitely an example of the former when really their best material would seem pasted in the latter.

Thesaurus moment: fleeting

No Age
Sub Pop

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