Dead Billionaires – 15 Words
Similar artists: Anti-Flag, Deer Tick, Jeff Rosenstock
Genre: Punk, Indie Rock
It’s hard to be a politically-charged punk-rock band these. Joe Strummer may have purposely left the message of The Clash’s music as vague as possible. But, back then, it seemed like it was relatively easy to figure out the bad actors from the relatively good ones. Not anymore.
The greatest trick that political spin doctors ever pulled off is turning is convincing the world that politics could be divided into a left or a right. This made a colossal larger amount of people want to lend their votes, forgetting the fact that politicians usually find common ground on one issue: making a profit for themselves.
Dead Billionaires’ “15 Words” is very well intended. It sounds like punk music made by someone that would raise you up if you slipped on ice or help you move your couch on a hot Sunday. That’s something to trust, as is the zip-zap energy of their music. And while certainly, racism is something that needs to be condemned with consistency, don’t just expect punk-rock to do the work for you.
A Place To Bury Strangers – I’m Hurt
Similar artists: Metz, Sonic Youth, my bloody valentine, The Jesus and Mary Chain
Genre: Alternative Rock
It’s hard to frighten the modern music listener, but easy to get them confused. That’s something many rock bands bank on nowadays. This is just fine for the majority of us who are just looking for someone to help us get out of our own heads for a while.
A Place To Bury Strangers has shown consistency throughout the years. The band has always operated on the idea that whatever doesn’t kill their audience will only make the individuals stronger. Punishing volume and fuzzed-out guitar cascades are part of the course for the band’s live shows.
A Place To Bury Strangers have had their song “I’m Hurt” remixed by Trentemøller and retain the same sonic terrorist approach to making music. The irony of the song’s title will not be lost to any longtime listeners. This is music launched out of the speakers like a grenade meant to shock everyone and wound some. If A Place To Bury Strangers have played their cards right, you’ll be back for more.
