The stats don’t add up. The pictures don’t make sense. Everyone is happy and fulfilled when you glance through their social media photos, or when you choose to consult the statistics about health, education and the economy. But meet some of the people who lead the most successful virtual lives for a real beer, and they’ll tell you a different story as they order 12 more beers.
Rose tinted glasses aren’t just for the present or the future. Most people like to look upon their past and conclude that they did great, courageous, honorable things. Few people will tell you otherwise, and, fewer still, will feel brave enough to share stories.
Hurikanes have some stories about those halcyon days of youth and hopelessness. But the garage-rocker doesn’t mind sharing the dirt either. The excellently titled “You’re Ruining My Life But You Make My Day” is a song collection about bad acquaintances, poor life choices and the kind of partying that makes your liver want to go on strike.
The EP’s opener, “Fantasy” sounds like a band crashing a party and demanding that they entertain those in attendance with their own music. Their own music is filled with dissonance, loud guitars, caveman drumming. Then silence. Then a slow building rush toward more madness.
In fact, just like the parties that Ian C Riise is recalling, you won’t find a moment’s reset on this EP. “Your Walk” sounds like lo-fi garage-rock, complete with vocals amplified to a level meant to challenge the neighbors’ patience. And, the 10-minute “She’s Running Away (Whiskey Blues)” is a jam session with murderous intentions.
Not that there ain’t humor to be found here. “Leaving You?” finds the singer threatening to leave their special one on the grounds of grief and misery. And the title to “You’re Ruining My Life But You Make My Day” should tell you all that you need to know.
Where does this leave us? Possibly fretting about pictures from our own party days. By the menacing sound of Hurikanes, those stories may only be accepted if you’re goal is to one become a rockstar. Otherwise, everyone will just pretend like those days never existed.
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