Review Summary: Brooklyn punk rock/noise trio EndAnd arrive at a time when rock music is in a state of flux.
Brooklyn punk rock/noise trio EndAnd arrive at a time when rock music is in a state of flux. It seems the public preferences have veered far away from artists who use guitars in noisier ways over the past 15 years, and this much is evident when looking at any recent music festival roster. Things seem to be improving, however, as bands like A Place to Bury Strangers and Cloud Nothings have helped spearhead a renewed interest in dissonant, noisier fare. Also, the fact that the Melvins are enjoying renewed popularity must mean that rock is being sought out, albeit nowhere near the mainstream.
Although "Adventures of Fi in Space" is technically a re-release of 2 EP's from late 2011 ("Adventures of Hi Fi in Space" and "Adventures of Lo Fi in Space" respectively), it feels fresh, especially on the album standout "Commando", where the band sound like a true force to be reckoned with both lyrically and sonically. The track has a "heart on the sleeve" feel, managing to be both aggressive and vulnerable at the same time, and the musical chaos is among the most dissonant and satisfying I've heard this side of "Strap it On' era Helmet.
The band's pop muscles flex on the album, too, showing obvious influences from acts like Nirvana and Weezer. Simple chords delivered in power pop style work well on "Far in Between", for example. Where EndAnd really excels, though, is when they go full bore and unite the pop sensibility with a bit more chaos. "So What Now" is a one-and-a-half minute kick to the face, and another memorable one.
The rest of the album, being more "lo fi" type recordings, will disappoint anyone who demands high production value, but most likely any fans of underground punk rock will find some gems here. Overall, this release shows a lot of potential and should gain the band a well-deserved underground rock and punk fanbase. It's difficult to peg them too accurately style-wise, but anyone who appreciates Guided by Voices, the Melvins, Nirvana and Fugazi should find something to enjoy in EndAnd.
