Chicago's Disappears have already cut their teeth by making a grinder of a debut in Lux. Channeling some incredible noise and drone while blending it with heavy rock star grooves, it sourced lots of what was good and decent in the storied history of indie rock. Within 9 months of Lux, the band must have had some seriously inspired motivation to head back into the studio for Guider. Their are some connections to the previous album, but in general this is a completely new expression of their working theme.
First off, Guider is a full length album in the loosest and the most historical of terms by containing only 6 tracks and clocking in around 30 minutes. However, this band is truly a throwback in it's style and sound. The Disappears always intended Guider to be listened to on vinyl and its songs fit perfectly on that format. "Side A" would be the first five tracks of throbbing basement D.I.Y. that reminds of the experimental churn of no-wave NYC in the early 1980's. Opener "Superstition" sets the tone of Guider with its immediacy. Under two minutes in length, it is the cliffs notes version of their mission, hitting the ground running and even squeezing in a crescendo finish. "Not Romantic" is a more gradual expression that draws in the listener as the muted drone envelops like a void. The next two tracks "Halo" and "Guider" are the album rockers that work in a crisp tempo and intoned chants that never overreach the low production ceiling. Finishing up the first side is the druggy bliss of "New Fast" as an opening act to the epic final track. The near 16-minute expanse of "Revisiting" is the inspired scuzz rollercoaster that was perfected by bands such as Sonic Youth and the now defunct Spacemen 3. There is no beauty or grand guitar solos here, just that aching throb that is best experienced with headphones and some sort of chemical assistance. By the finish, it becomes apparent that Disappears are not about grand gestures but subtle moments that become part of the song's tapestry. Now with Steve Shelley of Sonic Youth fame filling in behind the drumkit, who knows what the future will hold for this constantly evolving band.
Disappears are live at the Empty Bottle February 4. Tickets are available here.
Purchase Guider here.
Disappears - Halo
Disappears - Superstition (plus three tracks from Lux)
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