"Mission: Control!"
Burning Airlines
If one or two of the members of a new band include ex-members of a
well-known band, then that tag is often applied to their style (it shouldn't
be, but it is). It just so happens that two of the members from Burning
Airlines (J. Robbins and Bill Barbot) were in the legendary Jawbox. But, I
have never heard Jawbox so I'm not going to tag that on them. Besides, this
record rocks. I'm serious, this is one of the best albums I've gotten all
year. Post-rock experimental modernism (I made that up and I don't even know
what the heck it means) with plenty of cool riffage, sweet harmonies, and
unexpected musical surprises. It's not experimental in the aspect of
discordant weirdness, but this record just takes rock to a whole new level.
If Jawbox was anything like this, I gotta get me some of that! But from what
I've heard, they're not. So that's good. "Carnival" is very loud and driving
and creative in its transitions. It's a breathe of fresh air away from the
norm of so many post-hardcore/punk bands. "Wheaton Calling" kicks, I love
this song. J. Robbins voice is so jangly and concise all at once. And "3
Sisters" is just too smooth with the delayed effect on the guitar (I just
love the delayed sound). I am definitely looking forward to anymore
releases.
Lars-O-Meter: 9 out of 10
Favorite Song: "Wheaton Calling"
Record Label: DeSoto Records
[note: this is a secular review]