Ah, the ’90s. That exciting moment where grunge became mainstream and the next trend was any record exec’s guess. Genres were smashed together like the Rock Giants in The Hobbit, and, like, the movie, the only real goal was to keep it radio-friendly. (Unlike The Hobbit, many of those experiments ended up being unique and enjoyable.) Angular, repetitive guitar hooks, driving basslines, ennui.
You flannel-clad bastards had no idea how good you had it.
Fortunately, there are some brave souls out there who won’t let the music die. I submit, for the approval of the Midnight Society, Fort Shame.
But the band’s heavy ’90s sound should come as no surprise: leaders Sue Harshe and Todd May are veterans of the underground post-punk and alt-country scene. Their experience comes to fruition here on Double Wide.
As you can surmise, it’s not the most upbeat album you’ll listen to this year. Tales of love, loss, and alienation are undergirded by jangly rock guitars, Jamey Ball’s muscular bass lines, and George Hondroulis’s powerful drums. Harshe’s growling and May’s plaintive voice are a winning combination.
This is powerful stuff. I’m excited for you to get your hands on it.
One For the Ages
Gay Boys in Berlin
Like That Richard Manuel Song
Fort Shame — Official, Facebook, Buy Double Wide, Peloton Records