Review:

on 2011-03-27 Christopher Nosnibor Said:

To me, Beards represent the epitome of the punk ethos. They're not an image band: in fact, they're anything but. They're all about the music. And the music... it's not about what's hip now, what the kids are into or what's on the radio. It's not about virtuoso musical performances or flashy displays of technical competence - not that they're to be found wanting - and instead, it's all about raw, visceral energy.

This unlikely-looking trio, comprising two girls - one of whom is covers drums and vocals), the other covering bass duties - and a guy on guitar have delivered an album that has a purity and power that's astounding. Having, quite unsuspectingly, caught them performing live recently, I was blown away by the power of their set, and despite appearing fairly low down a stellar bill, they proved to be one of the bands of the day. In a rare feat - specially for a low-budget recording released on a local micro-label in their home town - 'Brick By Boulder' captures the essence of that live sound brilliantly.

The 11 tracks all share common elements, namely brute force, discord and jerky, stop start rhythms and guitars that pull in different directions from the shuddering, elastic basslines. It's not your regular pub-rock punk, but a stuttering collision of Melt Banana, X-Mal Deutschland, Truman's Water and early Pram. While there are some definite standouts, notably the dizzying discord of 'Spinning Coin' and leftfield Fall-esque groove of 'Tried Searching (Searched Trying)' and the rush of adrenaline that is the title track, it's the overall impact of Brick by Boulder that's the real achievement.

With choppy, toppy guitars that would be right at home on a Shellac album, what really distinguishes and Beards is the hell-for leather drumming coupled with and creative basslines: the half-sung and half-shouted female vocals top things off perfectly, adding as they do to the clashing cacophony. It may have a running time of under 25 minutes, but that's all it takes to leave you punch drink and dazed.

Feel the force!


Rating: 8/10