VENDING MACHETES: GOOD GRIEF

GENRE | POST-PUNK
VERDICT | WHITE-HOT
LABEL | UNSIGNED
RELEASE | 6.9.12

If you’ve been in the mood for some straight-no-chaser rock music with a sprinkling of post-punk and post-hardcore, then Good Grief, the sophomore album from local favorites Vending Machetes, will surely satisfy your cravings. I’m typically not one to venture near anything remotely resembling hardcore, but this tight set of six songs is executed with such energy and proficiency that I often found myself air drumming despite my reservations. Credit where it’s due: these guys are seriously talented musicians.

Vending Machetes wear their influences on their sleeves (At the Drive In, Nirvana) and with pride, which translates to them being able to tackle a variety of styles with seemingly total confidence.

Songs can switch their tempo and key at the drop of a hat; the alternately skittish and pummeling “Tarmac” sounds like a lost Dismemberment Plan song, and “Hindu Cows” bounces along on polyrhythms and some funky cowbell. And although the production at points feels like a weirdly glossy counterbalance to their blistering energy, there’s still enough variation and skill at work here that any curious listener will likely find something to love.

VENDING MACHETES

SUN 6.24.12
THE MIDDLE EAST UPSTAIRS
472 MASS AVE.
CAMBRIDGE
617.354.8238
8PM/18+/$8
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