Review Summary: An experience in weightlessness
Every time I blink my eyes the grass seems to get greener, and the quick approach of summer has motivated me to write about one of my favorite albums for the season: King Tuff's Was Dead (released in 2008, TeePee Records). King Tuff is Kyle Thomas, from Brattleboro, Vermont. He is recognized by some as member of the folk band Feathers and J Mascis' project 'Witch'. He recently decided to make a fuzzy, freaked-out album by himself, under the name King Tuff. This, of course, is the result.
As much as summer itself, what this album represents to me is the cross pollination between punk and power pop, in the incubator that is modern indie/garage music. It is certainly not new territory to be explored these days, but I have not heard a more authentic, refined version of it than what is on display on Was Dead. The melodies and progressions are instantly reminiscent of the 60s rock explosion, but the context they are placed in, equal parts fuzzy garage recklessness and fuzzy psychedelic weirdness, thrust the whole thing too far "out there" for it to be anything but modern. The production is sparse and tinny. The guitars are clean, but certainly fuzzy. The vocals crack and clip. Everything is drenched in reverb. The overall commitment to a specific vibe is admirable, and with perfect execution it makes this album nothing short of an experience in weightlessness.
