While most of the hoopla coming out of Cleveland these days revolves around some guy named Lebron James (ever heard of him?), the home to the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame also has had some kickass music coming out of there in recent years. Obviously it’s the place where industrial rock legend Trent Reznor started Nine Inch Nails in the late ’80s, art punks Pere Ubu began in the ’70s, and Bone Thugs-n-Harmony brought their unique brand of hip-hop, but these days punk rock has taken the city over with acts like Herzog, Gluttons, HotChaCha and Cloud Nothings in the forefront. Featuring Cloud Nothings’ Jason Gerycz, Total Babes are part of a scene that gets loud with their heart on their sleeve, and it couldn’t be more evident than with their latest release, Heydays.
Featuring a cast of local figures with John Elliott from Emeralds & Spectrum Spools on synths, bassist Nathan Ward of Smooth Brain & Cruelster and even Cloud Nothings frontman Dylan Baldi guesting on a track, Total Babes use a wide array of talents to put out an album with multiple dimensions while providing a solid showcase of the scene that they call home. A lot of energy and honest lyrics with touches of pop to go along with a flurry of rigid guitars encompasses Heydays. It makes Total Babes’ sound accessible to the casual listener while staying true to anyone who likes their music with an emphatic edge. This stuff will definitely make you dance, make you want to move around with a bunch of your friends, and act a little crazy.
Another week, another album. It’s what pretty much happens on a consistent basis, especially this time of year where everyone is on the search for the fabled Song Of The Summer. A great place to start exploring are my top tracks off of the Album Of The Week; it’ll put you in the mood to party on the beach.
An absolute ripper, “Blurred Time” is a rhythmic spectacle with incredibly fast drumming and countless riffs to make for a crazed rage fest that’s bound to excite and energize. Powerful and ferocious, “Bone Dry Eyes” is a perfect track #1 with an in-your-face attitude chock full of angst that definitely can be a useful stress reliever. Featuring Baldi on vocals and Elliott on synth, “Circling” is a psych-punk track that has a lot going on with raw and distorted guitars merging with a sci-fi style of synth that makes you feel as if you’re in the middle of a high-octane space voyage.
Total Babes will take the stage at The Met in Pawtucket on June 6 with Massachusetts lo-fi rock legends Sebadoh and Providence old-school emo kids Twin Foxes for what should be a righteous time. While you’re there, grab a copy of Heydays and enjoy. It’ll put you in the mood to exorcise your personal demons while experiencing the power of awesome music.
Stream “Circling” here: soundcloud.com/wichita-recordings/total-babes-album-04/s-cG0Iq