Psychic Weight – “More Weight”
Psychic Weight have been on my radar for quite awhile now.
But you see, my calculations have been off. They’ve been corrupted- by age, by alcohol, by circumstance…but mostly, by life- it will kill, let me tell ya…eventually.
But I’m happy to report that I’m still kickin’. At least that’s what my doctor tells me. Though the vital signs that concern heart and immune system are positive, they’re strangely absent in the prognosis of my liver and my brain.
But no worries, my hands and fingers appear to be working. I seem to able to jot down words on a page, press letters on a keyboard. Whether there’s any coherency to them- well, that’s another matter, another story. Something, I suggest, you don’t bet the house upon.
But I wandered into the Midway recently to see a show. I was hoping for some French, existential drama or perhaps some modern dance and ballet.
Instead, much to my shock, it was a punk/hardcore show! And a band whom I did not recognize was performing.
I really enjoyed them as did the folks from Boston Groupie News attending, Miss Lyn and Blowfish, which caused me to doubt my own perceptions, as you can well imagine.
But I stuck to my guns and after the set I found out who played- it was Psychic Weight!
I vowed to finally review them, I vowed never to let a drink pass beyond my lips again and I vowed to hunt Miss Lyn and Blowfish down to pay for all the twisted sins that I have witnessed them party to in my days!
The last part a decided to ignore, and I guess the one before it as well. But I’m about to adhere to the first one. Let’s give a listen:
With loud, roaring, sustaining chords “Whacking Days” opens up with a monolithic, classic sound with double noted guitar twangs- but then the drums come hitting hard and energetic while the vocals are spat out emphatically. But this song is not one about social injustice but about lawn care and about snakes, and not the human kind. The lyrics may be fanciful but the sound is powerfully potent and invigoratingly intense in a hardcore/metal kind of way. Great song.
“Poor Form” is an explosive hardcore number with more serious lyrics. “Economy crashing, riot in the streets. World War Three started by a tweet.” Well, what tweety bird could that last line be referring to? There’s a breakdown with a clangy bass guitars that headbangs until the vocals and guitars crash in like a punch in the stomach, knocking the wind out of you, but in a good way. The song ends with some devilishly, dissonant notes decidedly non-docile. Another great tune.
“Believe Me” kicks off with a rockin’ beat and a press against your face vocal. “It’s so hard to swallow their lies, when reality betrays the truth. But if enough of us are blind, it’s no longer a ruse.The ststem exists in spite of itself. Wake up, this is your real nightmare.” This song is tremendously, tight and propulsive while also being wild and passionately, unrestrained. The ending part slows while the vocals vomit bile over a heavy, headbanging beat that sounds like aural version of nails being pounded into your head. Believe me, this is one great song- my favorite on the EP.
A grinding, dissonant riff leads off “The Other” in an intense, metal/funk groove. But soon the energy erupts with the vocals bellowing in rage. “Falling back while the world is moving forwards. Try to deny, but you’re just a fucking coward.” This song just pounds and pulverizes while putting forth immense energy and emotion. And ends what is, a really great EP.
Psychic Weight have a lifted a lot of weight off my shoulders while at the same time sending me into psychic disarray.
Not sure what that means, but it could have something to do with a drink passing beyond my lips. Oh, and those Boston Groupie News folks? Well, let just say you might not see them around anymore.
But really this is the kind of hardcore that Andy Bang likes and lives to rant about- metal in its precision and intensity, wild and emotional in its vocals and full of energy and drive in its rhythm and intent.
And why shouldn’t you rant about music like this that is so powerful, full of passion with such strong content.
Hell, if I wasn’t a punk rocker I might like this band, as well.
Hey! Wait a minute…I do like this stuff! I really like this band and their EP. Hey, my calculations and my computations may have been off for a while, but even a jabbering fool like me can hear how great this recording is, how great this band truly is.
Now, excuse me, I have to activate my GPS.
(Slimedog)
