Interfectum – “Guilty By Disassociation”
So this band is called Interfectum. Which is funny because Andy Bang’s new emo/goth band is called My Painful Rectum. When I told Andy that his new band’s name stinks he said, “Well, that’s the whole point.”
Interfectum is connected to a Latin word that means killed or destroyed. Which, their music, certainly does. And though it’s prone for me to say something like, “Interfectum is an infectious concoction of lively, calypso rhythms mixed with vivacious, joyful melodies and words,”- I will sustain for making any such claims for I have justified fears for my scrotum. Namely it being attacked by the manager, Mr. Bang,(as it was in my last review) and so let me explicably say-
Interfectum is a punk band from Cape Cod that could be labeled hardcore, but since there are no low, growly vocals to be had; or any heavy hardcore influences to be had- I’d have to plunk them down smack in the middle of the skate punk/ speed punk spot.
But though I’m inclined to put them there. I must point out that, lyrically, they don’t fit in with those carefree styles and are actually more socially conscious in their lyrical content.
How about this- this is wicked fast punk with some interesting and thoughtful lyrics and some nifty guitar solos, to boot.
How about we stop listening to me and listen to what they have to say and play?
“When I Run” starts with a sampled voice and some Chuck Berry/Rock’N’Roll music playing behind it- “But listen to this.” A trebly guitar comes in like barbwire up your spine answered by an equally trebly bass and just as the drums kick it in, a plea of “Let’s go,” arises. “I don’t respect your law/ I don’t respect your game/ I don’t respect the way/ You put my fuckin’ morals to shame.” Meanwhile, the drummer’s pounding his drums to smithereens, the barbwire’s now slicing your eardrums- all this is happening faster than a speeding locomotive. This is at warp speed, speed punk or skate punk level only diverting with a chord change stolen from Paul Revere & The Raiders ( Ha! They thought I wouldn’t notice) melding into a solid, sixties garage groove. But then the stick shift is turned, the adrenalin is punched and we’re pushed over a cliff of sound. “Your ways are bent, unfair, askew/ It’s my decision what I do.” Me, I choose to play this great song over and over again.
With a bit of guitar feedback, “On The Grid” starts with slashing chords, bursting energy and a rhythm that explodes and erupts. “There’s a burning fight inside of me/ That will not bow complacently.” The drums chop at every beat with a valiant attempt to reign in the power and energy uncontained. “They want everybody/ On the grid.” With this over the top, exciting music- it would seem that nothing could contain this great song filled with an amazing guitar solo and a delightfully doom-y breakdown.
With a classic rock guitar lick bringing in “Trapped Inside” it fools us with the promise of a little respite. But once the drums come rollin’ in we’re off on another attempt to break the speed of sound. “Now I’m trapped inside my head/ Well this clinical insanity is tearing me apart/ And all my family and friends have left me at the start.” A guitar solo that sounds like it could’ve fit in well in any Motorhead song rips hard and true. It leads to a bit of a hard rockin’ breakdown that is soon going off the meters again with a nifty, descending guitar lick taking us out.
There’s a Bo Didley beat at the start of “Walking Contradiction” and a Ramones like “1,2,3,4” and we’re soon off on another bashing, crashing, aircraft missile detonating inside our ears, kind of tune. “What the fuck?/ I died, but I’m still alive inside/ Failure is not an option/ But I already lost the fight.” Three awesome chords during a pause, with the bass clanging and the drums answering, all charged up and ruthless, proceeds to follow. “Well I’m a walking contradiction and a blanket of affliction/ I got a life heading towards the gutter but I love the sight.” Wonderful line in a wonderful song, followed by, “Well maybe I’m going crazy/ Or maybe I’m just fuckin’ lazy/ Either way my visions hazy/ And I’m not afraid but I’m full of fright.” I have no fright or fear of claiming this a great song, my favorite on the album.
Now, I’ve just heard they changed their name to Crime Spree. Well, let it be known that changing your name doesn’t abolish your past sins or crimes. A tiger doesn’t change his stripes!
I have no idea what that last line meant, I’ll blame it on the previous loss of blood from my scrotum wounds.
Now, My Scrotum Wounds would’ve made an even finer name change. ( Unfortunately, there is a Norwegian death/skate metal band with that same name.)
But you can’t go wrong with these guys, especially if you choose to see them live. Lots of great words to go with the great music, on this long player. And especially if you like music that is fast, powerful with more guts and energy than you can believe.
I believe you’ll love them.
(Slimedog)
