WOLF EYES
Burned Mind (Sub Pop)
Reviewed by Sherman Wick

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Wolf Eyes is the best of today's noise bands. And the Ann Arbor, Michigan band, now putting out records on the much larger Sub Pop label, has the potential for even wider appeal because of the raw aggression and energy of their music.

The band is as raw and concise as the Stooges or Pussy Galore were, but with tapes and electronics as primary instruments. Guitars and horns are used only on occasion for added layers of noise. Nate Young adds further texture with his ultra-distorted vocals. Track listings are relatively unimportant because of the nature of the group's music. Overall, the record is a nicely organized collection of noises. It contains one song in particular that stands out: "Stabbed In the Face." It is the scariest and most punk (of the progressive variety) song that I have heard in years. It is composed of two parts of cascading tape loops and shouted singing.

For kids looking to frighten their parents, I highly recommend this over Pink, Avril Lavigne, Marilyn Manson or the new William Shatner record. Oh yeah, and if you get a chance to see the band live don't miss them - and whatever you do don't forget to wear earplugs.

© 2004 - Sherman Wick