Theory of Ruin — Front Line Poster Child

Having had Counter-Culture Nosebleed in my cd changer for the better part of a year, I was anxious to hear any news about what these fine fellows might be doing next, their website would provide smart assed gems like "got together and jammed, sounds pretty cool" or "working on some songs" or "recording next month" until finally I get this "EP is out and its better than all the other crap you have bought so far this year"

Being a worldly guy with impeccable music taste these heady words from San Francisco's art punk power trio got my panties into a bunch. Front Line Poster Child is a very noisy and obnoxious affair, but at the same time a thoroughly compelling albeit short journey into the angry and complex mind of main man Alex Newport (Fudge Tunnel, Nailbomb) and friends.

Musically this EP is ehmm....noisy, intense, angry, snotty and positively enjoyable. Upon first listen it sounds like 3 very strong musical minds approaching things from 3 separate directions none relating to the other, but thats why this Ep really shines. Ches Smith (Secret Chiefs 3, Good For Cows) plays some of the most oddball rhythms without resorting to programming, triggers or the use of instruments that cannot be duplicated live (as they do incredibly well) Alex Newport on the other hand tones down the sludge and thrash of his past to focus on using his guitar as more of a noisemaker, to create wonderful textures, finding the most abrasive, skronking, noisy, obnoxious feedback drenched notes that threaten take over and turn this into an absolute abortion at any second, but of course Newport and crew are in complete control at all times.

Newcomer David Link seems at times to be the only sane one of the bunch, as he is the only constant throughout and considering his background and whom he is playing with says alot as his playing as its incredibly tight and he seems to be the glue that keeps these songs together. To me this EP seriously toes the line between great noise punk and absolute crap. Newports songwriting sensibilities and Smiths over the top but never over done drumming combined with Links rock solid bass make this EP fabulous and again leaves me longing for more. What frustrates me the most as this band seems to be a hobby that fills in the downtime these guys have in there lives, as Newport is the darling of the underground indie scene as a producer and Smith has his Jazz trio that tours regularly....it makes one wonder what would happen if these guys cleared their collective schedules for 6 months. Is it better than all the other crap I bought this year? No......but its damn good.