Times New Viking – ‘Rip It Off’ (album review) | noize makes enemies.co.uk

Times New Viking drag intelligent indie pop into the realm of DIY punk ethics and the noise experimentation of Daydream Nation era Sonic Youth to strange and wonderful effect. Taking lo-fi recording to its extreme limit gives the listener the impression of a band caught in a blizzard, as heard from a phonograph, whilst wearing ear muffs. It works extremely well, both aesthetically and for a more practical reason; you actually have to listen. You have to strain to pick up the band’s angsty, don’t-give-a-fuck lyrics, an element which dramatically changes the dynamic between band and otherwise lazy listener. Lyrics like “I need more money because I need more drugs” on standout track “My Head”, may seem a little passé, even clichéd under any other context, but they fit perfectly in this cacophony of rebellious noise.

Admittedly this album isn’t for everyone’s tastes, and more reserved fans of clear and straight forward production may find the precedence it seems to takes over the music upsetting; but I’d argue that these people are missing the point. The rough, scuzzy element to Rip It Off makes it sound genuinely homespun, a very endearing factor which doesn’t detract at all from the sound. Granted, this is an album which requires patient listening, but as a refreshing slap in the face of a complacent music industry it is not something to miss.

By Steven Garrard

Release Date: 28/4/08
Label: Matador
www.myspace.com/timesnewviking

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