State Of The Union – “Panaflex Blue”
State Of The Union is a great band to hear play live.
Not like that pompous, spoiled, failed rich boy, psychopathic, racist/sexist/homophobic icon of the “good old boys” white guys network. I can’t imagine you not knowing who I’m referring to, presiding (Presidenting?) over current affairs like a rotting piece of sandwich meat left out in the sun too long, over our country today. No “state of the union” from him for me. I can’t bare to hear or name him.
But please! Bash all unsavory thoughts from your mind because what we are about to feast upon is truly, mouth watering!
A band that describe themselves as “alternative, pop, punk rock, Boston.” Which is okay by me, but if you think you’re gonna get the dreary, angst ridden tunes of alternative music- then I feel you’ll be greatly disappointed.
But if you’re hoping to get some eighties influenced, especially from the Boston scene, new wave/punk songs that are intense, powerful and full of substance that reflects and expresses all that was best from those times- then I believe you will be more than pleasantly surprised.
Because you’re expectations should actually be surpassed.
Let’s investigate and see if I’m right:
“I got the radio on. Stupid, stupid me. I never learned my lesson,” and something about an apology. So starts “Chemical” with some chuggin’ Ramones like guitar before some Who like accents come bashing in. The chorus pleas/urges “Let’s take the long way home tonight.” Before a short but glorious guitar solo is sprung upon our unsuspecting ears. “I had the best laid plans, looking straight ahead. I got my foot to the floor. ‘Cause I’m almost dead. I got the radio on, it doesn’t matter anymore.” Maybe that’s true, but from what I hear and feel- this is a terrific song that pangs at your heart with an overflow of intensity and passion. The guitar chimes in with a coda that musically leads the song out but doesn’t resolve the aching, desperation that is expressed in this song. And that’s one reason it’s so truly great, bound to be one of the best I hear all year.
“Let’s go, hold me up. I’m not as young as I was once.” So goes, “Ring Me Up,” a Replacements like tune that crashes, bashes and slashes its’ way along with an intro of 1,2 (a reduction of the Ramones phrase leading into the chorus). But wait!- “3,4” arrives shortly after. This song is exciting, exuberant, exhilarating and energetic. It has a simple, but exquisite solo dropped into the middle of it. “Let’s go, ring me up. Call me on the telephone. I’m am so with you.” I’m so into this song, you should be, too- just drop a dime into the jukebox, baby and dial- It will connect you to where you want to go. I’m so into this song!
“I sent a message that I think got lost. I’ll be waiting here for you.” So goes “Juliette” another energy filled, melodic punk tune. A Buzzcock like guitar interlude arises. “I’ve been here, before, Juliette. I won’t let you walk away this time.” Maybe this is a song of a stalker but the emotion expressed is certainly one of longing and desperation and hopeful hopelessness. The drums bash, the guitars chime, the vocals bleat and wail. And though, I feel this song is great, I think the outcome of this story might not be so. Dark and disturbing, tuneful and bopping at the same time. Another great tune.
“Not Too Late,” is an energetic number that plays a lot in 6/4 or 12/8 with choppy rhythms much like The Pixies used to do. This song is caught up in the moment, pushes forward in its’ energy until the breakdown. “There’s a girl in the water, casting ripples in the water.” Not clear what this song is about but I do know it kicks ass and is wonderful.
This album was produced by David Minehan. He played in The Neighborhoods, one of the best and most popular melodic punk bands in the eighties punk scene. He later played guitar for The Replacements and here he does a terrific job, as well.
But more importantly, here is a trio of musicians playing their souls and guts out, with words and songs that stab at your heart and feelings, till the emotions you hide are made to bleed and spill out.
And what you’re left with is just not a bunch of songs with good melodies, great performances and energetic, crashing rhythms.
But true life, love and anger, desperation and desire, joy and sadness smeared across a record, or a disk. That most likely, you’ll relate to, ’cause you’ve experienced the whole range of emotions as they have, that they have portrayed.
But what do I know?
I got the radio on. But it doesn’t matter anymore. It’s just keeps playing the same old, Goddamn tunes with the same old, Goddamn platitudes- consisting mostly of, lies about life and love.
But what I hear here is something more true, more distinct, more relevant, more gut clutching real.
I’m gonna turn off the radio, turn off the news, turn off all of the mainstream media because it really doesn’t say anything new to me or what I want to hear anymore-
And turn myself on to State Of The Union-
I suggest you dial yourself in.
(Slimedog)
