Rob's Album Of The Week: The Interrobang

by Rob Duguay (Under The Radar)

Boston has being going under a revival of Alternative Rock over the past few years with the likes of Mean Creek, Gentlemen Hall, The New Highway Hymnal and Pretty & Nice gaining significant fanfare and blowing up venues to smithereens wherever they go. Reminiscent of the late 80's when bands like Buffalo Tom, The Lemonheads, The Pixies and Dinosaur Jr. were ruling the Boston music scene, it's interesting how a new breed of alt-rock acts are coming out of The Hub among what are mostly punk and ska bands. With a funny name but a raw & powerful sound, you can consider The Interrobang to join this exclusive group of Beantown contemporaries with their self-titled EP that's currently out.

What I love about this EP is that The Interrobang make every song very anti-pop with loud riffs but at the same time being mildly catchy. A distinct edge revolves around each track like a cloud of smoke around a burning bonfire, it seems that the band's main goal while making the record was to make sure that from front to back your ears would be pounding incessantly. Straight up dirty, you can notice a distinct Kurt Cobain influence coming from the guitars that gives their sound a lot of gumption and vigor. The Interrobang show how to pay tribute to their influences with this EP and it's a breath of fresh air after hearing so many different "indie" acts come out this year.

Hey it's that time again! It's the part where I choose my favorite tracks off of my Album Of The Week, which by now should be no surprise to you. Unless this is your first time reading this blog, in that case welcome and where the hell have you been? Anyways, it's time to let the masses know! it's time to tell you my opinion! (if it actually matters). Like your first time driving a car or making out with your first girlfriend/boyfriend, here goes something:

"All Smiles" has a little r&b going on with the keys, but the guitars take over in the hooks that'll send chills up your spine. "American DebtSlave" features Chuck Berry-esque guitars on the most political track off the EP that flat out rocks. "Zirconia" is a dark track that turns it up to 11 when the chorus comes in, the anthem for anyone who can't stand the superficial. For those Talking Heads fans, there's also a kickass cover of "Life During Wartime" that you gotta check out as well. Any fan of underground rock should give this a listen, it's sure to reaffirm your believe that rock & roll is still alive in certain quarters.

The Interrobang are playing once a month at Radio in Somerville, MA with their next show being on August 24th. Hopefully they come down to 990WBOB's neck of the woods in Providence and play at one of the many glorious venues that make The Creative Capital special. Until The Interrobang comes through your neighborhood, grab a copy of their self-titled debut EP. It's a little record that packs a very big punch.