I was at a Gobble Gobble (now Born Gold) house show last winter, and it was the most rank and sweaty house show I’ve ever experienced — quite literally, sweat was dripping off the walls. By the end — and for hours afterwards — thick clouds of steam rushed out of every open door and window. These boys don’t play sets so much as they put on events, so when the Edmonton group puts out a record, how it compares to the live experience becomes a central question.
I don’t think much compares to the aural spectacle of BG’s live performances but, at its best, Bodysongs proves that Cecil Frena certainly knows his way around a pop hook. “Wrinklecarver” hits earworm status, but these songs are all fully packed with whirlwind hooks, hyperactive synth squirts, and glitched-out hi-fi production that’s as much a part of the music as the instrumentation itself. The merger of ultra-slick electro production with Red Bull via Four Loko hyperactive party esthetic really isn’t for me, but there’s a wholly unique bend to what Frena and co. are doing. So while Bodysongs doesn’t really gel with my ears, I have respect for Born Gold’s dedication (look at their tour schedules!) and unique sound. I suppose Bodysongs is the result of what growing up on Minor Threat and, uh, the Venga Boys can do to a person.
Post the first comment: (Login or Register)