This San Diego quartet have already upset their hardcore peers by wearing Devo-esque insect costumes and signing to a big(ish) label, thereby diluting the precious integrity of the scene. One fanzine even cryptically accused the band of “ruining hardcore for fat kids”. Well, hardcore’s loss is our gain because Plague Soundscapes is an invigorating blast of science friction the band’s Melt Banana/Boredoms racket reminding why the US punk scene has always been more diverse and interesting than its UK counterpart. Rubbery synths weave in and out of breakneck jazz rhythms while vocalist Justin Pearson shrieks lyrics straight from the Zappa book of scatological cynicism. Chaotic but surprisingly accessible.
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