Dead Zone Boys

admin — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 09:00:00 +0000

Critics like to explain that because Jookabox’s David Adamson is from the east side of Indianapolis, he understands poverty, racism, and its symbolism in society. Check cashing joints and vacant strip malls feature prominently on the list of his influences. Perhaps this is why Jookabox appeals to me so greatly. In addition to my own near-Indianapolis roots, I find meaning and take solace in failing capitalist structures: dilapidated mini-golf courses, repurposed gyro drive-thrus that now house wristwatch wholesalers, theaters that seem to double as half venue, half asylum. I could have grown up down the street from Adamson for the ways we internalized similar representations of home.

In terms of fight or flight, Adamson stayed for the former, while I moved six time zones away. That doesn’t mean I don’t go back; increasingly, my roots are more appealing, fascinating to study and even love. My best friend lives in central Indianapolis, and when I visit, we go to the types of places that have inspired Jookabox. I do not fear the depressive shopping malls with only remote-controlled helicopter kiosks to stabilize an economy once supported by Sears and JC Penney anchor stores—the likes of which have since been relocated to more lucrative locations. The last time I was in the city, the only places I went were the ones most people avoid.

On the band’s previous album as Grampall Jookabox (rumored to have dropped the ‘grampall’ after ‘a haunting vision’), the topic of women arose frequently: a near unplanned pregnancy (false alarm!) and the relative toughness of Black women in comparison to the GJ frontman. On Dead Zone Boys, we once again hear about the fairer sex on “Evil Guh,” on which repeatedly Adamson repeatedly sings about his “evil, evil woman.”

More than feminine themes, Dead Zone Boys—perhaps appropriately—contains multiple songs about phantoms and zombies. I don’t assume these themes relate to a particular autumn holiday or horror flicks. I suspect they instead refer to evaporating communities and the terrifyingly dead stares on the faces of Indy’s TJ Maxx shoppers. The Right may have their End of Days, but the Left has its own apocalyptic predictions. They often involve the demise of capitalism and a larger cultural awakening.

The King of Pop also hailed from Indiana, but rest his soul, his legacy ends with already available material in his catalog. Jookabox, on the other hand, seems to have taken lessons from the tortured idol: go forth and make it. As the band’s psychedelic pop rock continues to spread beyond the Hoosier State, I hope others hear the promise of Holidome pool parties in their lyrics. Where you see abysmal failure and ugly facades of once-prosperous businesses, I see space for artistic reinvention.

Written by: Brittany Shoot, December 13th 2009

Outside Love

admin — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 17:23:00 +0000

By Pink Mountaintops

Jagjaguwar

Pink Mountaintops—a Canadian band comprised of Stephen McBean and his collected associates—is an evocative, addictive blend of psychedelic melodies, fuzzy guitars, and gospel-like lyrics. On Outside Love, McBean and company—including much of the same lineup as his downtempo, more melancholy-named band Black Mountain—are a less giddy Polyphonic Spree, a happier Echo & the Bunnymen, a not-so-freaky take on modern psych folk. Everything about the album is perfect for large headphones that block out everything except shoegaze-caliber chords coupled with whistling and windy gusts that blow through the tracks like ghosts of albums past.

The band’s third LP assembles quite an indie cast, including musicians and vocalists from Godspeed You! Black Emperor and Jackie-O Motherfucker. Outside Love also features the haunting vocals of songstress Amber Webber. If you have an incredibly skilled ear and a love of innovative folk rock, you’ll no doubt recognize her from previous Black Mountain albums and last year’s collaborative album with Bonnie Prince Billy, Lie Down in the Light.

The band’s press release claims that, among other phenomenon, real life events, and musical history, Outside Love was inspired by “being depressed in the sunshine [and] people who haven't made out yet but will in the future.” I could be the most high-functioning depressed-in-the-sunshine person you know (or don’t), and though I do not await unknown make out sessions (I have a super cute guy lined up for life, thanks), this album is my perfect springtime friend. I sit around, listen to morbid love songs, stare at the crazy ocean horizon mere blocks from my home, and I wonder if “outside love” means being removed from romance and commitment or whether they simply mean, “Be in love in nature.” Look no further than the title track and “And I Thank You” for clues.

Tonight I’m in love with all the lovers
With their loose hips and O-powered lips
Just for tonight, get all those sad songs
’Cause I know in my heart, it’s gonna be alright

Grab a copy or listen to the full album streaming on the band’s MySpace page if you like Neko Case, The Jesus and Mary Chain, a subdued Animal Collective, or wish Slint would get some girls and brighten up a bit. If you ever thought you should care about any of those bands and didn’t bother, this would also be a great way to get started on your journey to better listening.

Written by: Brittany Shoot, June 11th 2009

psych-pop

Dead Zone Boys

Outside Love