Trope House
Wharf Cat, 2019
9/10
A guitar and drum machine duo that originated nearly half a decade ago in Massachusetts, though Urochromes have been outfitted with different lineups in their vast touring, it's the core of Jackie Jackieboy and Dick Riddick that make this debut LP a perfect summer record to play loud and often.
“Milleux” gets the listen off to a blistering start of rabid guitars in a lo-fi punk frenzy of melodic noise, though the pace is trimmed back with “Rumshpringa”, where a soulfulness is added to the cautious riffage.
Equal parts punk and experimental exploration, while the swift, charged “Hair So Big” falls into the former category, the glorious cover, Bikini Kill's “Resist Psychic Death”, is a journey of unpredictable ideas that adds a new dimension to the classic.
Elsewhere, “Answer Me Not” recruits some glam-rock jamming to the buzzing affair, while the fuzzed out garage rock of “Star Of David” ends the album with as much intensity as it started with.
A distorted, reckless and charming affair, there's really no one else playing music like this, as Urochromes are redefining what raw, energetic/spazzed out punk and retro-rock is truly capable of.
Travels well with: Thee Oh Sees- Live In San Francisco; Mike Krol- Power Chords