"Open Register" starts out in a very pop-oriented manner with its strummed acoustic guitars but then punctuates the opening of each chorus with unnerving screams of "We're trying to help you!!" Y'know, I'm almost never a fan of the giant uvula flap, but the way these outbursts just, well, show up, really puts a new spin on the use of dynamics.
"The Violent Tango" (love that title) illustrates how Idiot Pilot seems to love dealing in multiple textures. Morse code-like opening percussion is followed by some artificial harmonics floated over an almost jazzy kick drum and rimshot pattern. Two guitars interlock before the spacey vocal line takes over. The chorus blows all of this up with exhilarating power chords, an ear canal-disturbing shard of feedback and some more Drano vocals.
After a while, I decided that the search for this group's center of gravity was a waste of time. The usage of metal fragments, progressive structures, ethereal vocals, violent screams, techno (yes, it was "blurpy"), Brian Wilson-ish harmonies and even a a touch of hip-hop (I won't say where, but it was definitely a "What the...?!" kinda thing)...well, it kept me off balance. After so many years of mainstream conformity, it's nice to hear somebody take a few chances.
Article comments
1 - Douglas Mays
WOW! These kids got a deal pretty quick. High-schoolers from Bellingham, WA (90 miles north of Seattle, 50 miles south of Vancouver BC) to major label release. It happens pretty fast sometimes.
I never had a chance to get my ass out and see them in a club around here. They didn't even get to do that much.
I never have heard the record, but I would imagine your review is quite accurate, from what I have heard about them.
2 - Temple Stark
Mark,
This post has been digitally replicated over at Advance.net, a place affiliated with about 10 newspapers around the country.
One such site is here.
Also please let your contact know, if you had one, that this article, is published at one more place. That helps to show they get two?, three? for the "price" of one.
Thank you.
Temple Stark