ArtsEtc.
No ‘ifs’ about it, MSI still disturbs
Looking for a print version?
Simply use your browser’s ‘Print’ command and a printer-friendly document will be generated automatically.
Also by Alex Truong:
- Speaking through words and art (April 30, 2009)
- Another 'juicy' CD from Peaches (May 6, 2009)
- Satisfying meal options to cure the Mifflin munchies (April 29, 2009)
- Local food is good food (April 23, 2009)
- Eugene Mirman of 'Conchords' 'flies' to perform (April 23, 2009)
Sharing tools:
E-mail this article:
Mindless Self Indulgence — or MSI, to the goth chic — is back, and their newest album, if, doesn’t fail to live up to the racy output of their past efforts. The artwork is the same, commissioned once again from “Invader Zim” artist Jhonen Vasquez, and the songs are just as irreverent as before. Most importantly, though, if shows the band to be just as troubling and satirical as ever.
The first track, “Never Wanted to Dance,” kicks off the album, disturbing listeners right off the bat. The vocals sound like those of a pale, saucy transvestite Englishman screeching things like “I’d rather fuck you than kiss you” in a provocative manner that generally tries too hard to be hard. Among these vocal twangs, there is an ambience of electronic industrial sometimes aided by the synthesizer (and sometimes not). Actually, MSI’s best is when the synthesizer completes the track, making it truly epic. Unfortunately, this is not present throughout the album.
Songs like “Lights Out” and “Pay For It” are when the true MSI style comes out. Rapid rhythms easily allow the vocal squirming of frontman Jimmy Urine to do their work. Once a general level of whininess is achieved, there is usually a bridge or some crunching guitar or a bridge with a really crunchy rhythm guitar.
Interestingly enough, MSI’s metal and electronica leanings combine to form an amalgamated post-goth, Nintendocore midi effects harmonization with the vocals. The track “Prescription” shows this theme can work for the album. However, this instrumental-vocal collaboration can be just plain weird, as in the very next track, “Issues.” Still, both are unsurprisingly eerie.
MSI’s style doesn’t stray too far from the formula on their previous album, but the band definitely manages to mix it up. Faithful fans might find tracks like “Animal” and “Mastermind” to be oscillating between industrial rap and punk, while “Bomb this Track” follows this route with just a little bit of screamo.
Fans of The Faint and other industrial electronic, however, will enjoy the second half of if. It carries a much heavier punk influence, but few tracks ever delve into anything that truly shreds. Listeners will find some cool Primus-like basswork by Lyn-Z on “Due,” but these soft spots might leave some wanting more. However, the whistle melody in “Money” is indeed money.
Overall, it seems Mindless Self Indulgence has somehow taken everything ridiculous from the ’80s and morphed it not-so-seamlessly into the 21st century. From their cheesy appearance to the synth-rock influence all the way down to the vocals, an undeniable absurdity is present. It’s not as though every element of if doesn’t work — because they do. Sadly, MSI presents an overwhelming feeling of trying too hard, and the result is a mixed bag.
3 stars out of 5
1 Comment | Leave a comment
Leave a comment
Herald Blogs
The Beat Goes On
Muckrakers
President’s Visit Marked a Speech to One of the Last Groups Not Critical of Him
Extra Points
Top Classified Ads (view all)
HOUSES FOR Fall 2010. All houses are on W Dayton or N Bassett. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8 bedrooms. All have parking. madisoncampusrentals.com
MSI is ALL about trying to hard. The whole thing’s a joke which is what makes it soooo AWESOME. 5 stars out of 5. You’ll Rebel to Anything’s music style with lyrics closer to those on Frankenstein Girls. AWESOME.