Chicago-based unsung musical force Eleventh Dream Day have been making blistering and woefully under-appreciated rock for well over 20 years. After going through many lineup changes, the core members Rick Rizzo, Janet Beveridge Bean and Douglas McCombs are still present and joined by multi-instrumentalist and former Cocktails member Mark Greenberg. Their tenth LP Riot Now! is due out on Thrill Jockey March 15 and a track has finally found its way into my lap. As a long time fan of this band's raw and uncompromising sound, I am truly piqued for this album after hearing this fiery single and obvious throwback to their inspired heyday.
The low rumble beginning the new track "Satellite" sets the mood as the heavy drums and thick bass are laid like concrete under the sturdy guitar riff. Rizzo cuts in to spit out his opaque words and the sober tone slowly becomes even more serious. It is the undeniable storm of synth work and feedback cracking through the song's foundation that builds these gale force winds into a raging tornado. This was the kind of power propagated on albums such as Prarie School Freakout and Beet, then was flecked throughout their later, more matured works that kept me a dedicated follower for all of this time. In 2011, the art of the power chord throwdown has either been abandoned or obscured by effects and studio tricks. I am not sure what could bring this brand of guileless, pure rock & roll back, but Eleventh Dream Day still stands as an ad hoc reminder that the roots of indie sprouted from this kind of passion.
Right-click to download Satellite here.
Preorder Riot Now! here.
Eleventh Dream Day - Satellite
No comments:
Post a Comment