In an interview from around the time A Place To Bury Strangers was released, I remember frontman Oliver Ackermann citing “Sueisfine” by My Bloody Valentine as one of his favorite songs of all time… which is an odd preference (I’d probably say it’s my least favorite MBV tune) but it explains a lot about the band’s sound. It’s clear they’re more inspired by the dissonant nihilism of MBV’s infamous ear-shattering wall-of-noise segments in their concerts than the understated tenderness of something like “Lose My Breath.” Not to mention Jesus & Mary Chain, and lots of it! APTBS is LOUD… even the sweeping ballad “The Falling Sun” and New Order-esque “I Know I’ll See You” are solidly in the red for the duration. The band’s affinity for the Reid brothers is evident about 49 seconds into the first song, but more than fruitless nostalgia, it’s an incredibly modern record (drum machines!) with killer riffs and great hooks. Check out “She Died,” “Missing You,” “Don’t Think Lover” and “To Fix The Gash In Your Head.” Glow-in-the-dark vinyl pressing, limited to 500 copies.

• glow-in-the-dark vinyl
• limited edition of 500
• music label: Important Records 2018

reviewed by big dumb man 06/2018