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STNNNG
Dignified Sissy (Modern Radio Record Label)
Reviewed by Sherman Wick
Yes, Stnnng is the correct spelling for the first record by the Twin Cities based warped indie rock act. I first saw the band open for U.S. Maple in Minneapolis, and they put on a great live show. Then the band went by Stunning, but, of course, there was another band by the same name, so they changed it to the more aptly original spelling.
The group follows in the tradition of '70s No Wave (DNA, Mars),'80s pigfuck (the Butthole Surfers, Scratch Acid and Pussy Galore) and '90s Now Wave bands such as Melt Banana, Colossamite and the aforementioned U.S. Maple - each group tried to revive post-punk guitar rock. However, the Stnnng's songs have more brevity, like classic punk or the Minutemen. They are also lyrically wordier, although with a bleak worldview, while maintaining the sense of humor and nihilism. The record begins with "A Topography of Boils;" the bent guitar riff recalls the Jesus Lizard in their heyday, while the singing and lyrics are similar to Steve Albini (Big Black, Shellac). "New National Anthem" is the best, ahem anthem well, sort of, that I've heard for contemporary America. The song's lyrics are unflinching in their negative tone on the state of the nation - and for good reason. Halfway through the song, the singer states "This plane is crashing/Let's just drive it into the ground." The song manages to be perceptive, depressing and funny - quite an accomplishment for a smartass sardonic song with a crazed math-rock arrangement. Another standout is a comical tale about a washed up man over 50, who states, "I Still Have My Fastball." And "I Am an Architect" is a hilarious and skeptical indictment of vain and dumb yuppies.
Throughout the review I have compared Stnnng to countless great bands. However, that doesn't mean the group is unoriginal - in fact, the influences are only an indication of the band's good taste in music - and suggest further creative development. This is an ultracool first record. I look forward to seeing the band's live show again, and hearing the new music that they write.
© 2005 - Sherman Wick