Prognosis: Negative 7” EP
Grave Mistake
“Killer Waves” b/w “Squad Car” 7”
Art of the Underground
More please. During the course of the review that follows I hope to impart some small sense of just how great these Night Birds records are. Mostly for the sake for fellow music fans seeking out new sounds but also, to a lesser extend, to make clear my hope that there is more from the band to follow. Let’s get started.
The Grave Mistake EP. 5 songs, 9 minutes. All killer, no filler. Everything that made the band’s demo EP click—rapid fire tempos, surf guitars, Nuggets-caliber hooks—is still in place but each of those elements is better this time. The surf riffs are more prevalent. The vocals are more confident and the rhythm section tighter. Sensing the potential for hyperbole overdose I’ve gone back to the EP three times since my initial draft. From the chorus to “Prognosis: Negative” to the tempo changes and soloing throughout “Harbor Rats,” I stand by my claims.
The “Killer Waves” single will be difficult to track down but it’s worth the work. The a-side is the band’s best song yet, the most Dickies like. I believe the b-side is a Belairs cover. Regardless, it’s a great revved up surf instrumental.
I still hear traces of the bands I referred to when the reviewing the band’s debut last year (Dead Kennedys, Minor Threat, Dick Dale) but this is their sound now.
– Mike Faloon
Comments