Search - Parts & Labor :: Stay Afraid

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Scott Bresinger | New York, USA | 02/12/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"("Stay Afraid" by Parts & Labor)



Brooklyn's Parts & Labor have made a noise-rock album that distinguishes itself from supposed peers like Wolf Eyes, Black Dice, Sightings etc. Instead of lo-fi free-form bombardment, P&L take the time to write and record something resembling actual songs, or at the very least punk rock songs in the modern, post-"emo" style. At times they even go for dramatic crescendos in the vein of, I kid you not, the Arcade Fire or Neutral Milk Hotel. Of course, they then proceed to layer on overdriven guitar/electronics static and feedback--imagine maybe if Husker Du and Merzbow shared the same practice space. Thus, vocalist BJ Warshaw has to shout (not scream) and drummer Christopher Weingarten has to really pound away in order to be heard. Throughout, the pace is frantic but strangely measured; the band never descends into complete cacophony, even as there aren't many moments for listeners to catch their collective breath. Sometimes the noise takes on the quality of bagpipes (albeit very loud ones), other times it's a jet engine roar. Lyrics tackle reflect the paranoia and uncertainty of the modern, high tech times--"Stay Afraid" is about media scare tactics, while "Drastic Measures" rails against government surveillance. "Every tiny Armageddon will bring us closer to the shore/relieved when they arrive/maybe we'll cross a great divide" announces Warshaw on the album opener "A Great Divide." For me, this is the only disappointing aspect of the album. I mean, young lefties are fed up with Modernity, but one doubts that a more bucolic Third World existence would suit them either. I, for one, would love to find a social critic who actually likes the technology that gives them their plaform. Enough with the mini-rant, however. This is not only one of the best releases of '06, but also one of the best noise-rock releases since Sonic Youth's "Dirty.""

Refreshing, superb blasts of noise...

Tankery | New Orleans | 05/01/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Somewhere between Sonic Youth and the best of Husker Du, plus loads of their own takes on sonic noise in general, Parts and Labor is one of the better and more innovative post punk bands out there.



Smart, clever lyrics are there also in virtually all the songs (My favorites are Stay Afraid, timeline, and Death) but the fractured, downright orchestral bombardment of the soaring arrangements make the album.



Most people familiar with Husker Du will notice the connection, but its mainly because they are as different as that band was at blending a certain pop element with very creative high-volume soundscapes.



Don't miss this album."

Noisey rock - noise that rocks

Borkus | Richmond, VA United States | 07/07/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Yep, there's all the elements of noise - overdriven vocals, electronic squawks, frenetic drumming and lots of feedback. However, amidst the chaos are amazing songs with amazing melodies. Guided By Voices meets Husker Du meets Sonic Youth? Perhaps. Nonetheless, Parts & Labor are ultimately one of the most creative bands making loud music right now."