VOLUMEN – Science Faction (Wäntage USA CD)
Posted: May 3rd, 2006, by Simon MinterThe world is overrun with cynicism and misery, and it’s entirely wasted on Volumen. Despite this album being, in the cold light of day, all over the place stylistically, it’s tied together by an unerring positivity and sparky YIP!manship that it’s near impossible not to surrender to, let alone to ignore. Over its fifteen tracks the album smears zippy weirdopop – which will please fans of Flaming Lips, Pavement, Man or Astroman or even Sonic Youth in their lighter moods – in all kinds of crazed directions. Within songs, and the work as a whole, there are countless surprising forays into noise, rock’n’roll, synth-driven indie-pop, strident pomp-rock, hell, even musique concrète! But whilst many bands are scuppered by their inventiveness and willingness to experiment, Volumen seem to have delivered something of a prog-indie-rock small masterpiece. The weirdness is beautifully kept in check, the confusion offset by pure pop sensibilities and a musicianship and proficiency that is almost relentlessly charming and captivating. Science Faction is heavy in concept, but playably light in conception.
Simon Minter
Simon joined diskant after falling on his head from a great height. A diskant legend in his own lifetime Simon has risen up the ranks through a mixture of foolhardiness and wit. When not breaking musical barriers with top pop combo Sunnyvale Noise Sub-element or releasing records in preposterously exciting packaging he relaxes by looking like Steve Albini.
http://www.nineteenpoint.com