Review

Punk is the new folk. Think about it, a rich body of songs handed down by word-of-mouth, instantly recognisable yet endlessly open to interpretation, its slimy tendrils penetrating deep into the DNA of modern music. Which brings us to ‘Rise Above’ a ‘re-imagining’ of Black Flag’s ‘Damaged’ – possibly the definitive early hardcore album – by New York collective Dirty Projectors. A re-imagining rather than a straight cover, as head Projector David Longstreth was working from memory, which couldn’t be too great as the songs aren’t in order and he forgot ‘TV Party’ amongst others. What he hopes to achieve is unclear but his cause isn’t helped by the bland indie folk style he’s chosen to execute them in. Which isn’t a big a problem as his voice (think a strangulated Anthony Hegarty), warbling the life out of ‘Thirsty And Miserable’ and ‘Police Story’ is frustrating in the extreme. While no one needs to hear more ‘punk’ versions of these songs, Dirty Projectors have overlooked the simple sing-along quality of the source, the one thing that makes them more open to a pop interpretation as the actually pretty ace summery pop version of ‘Rise Above’ demonstrates. A missed opportunity.

Words_James McDonald

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DOWNLOAD: ‘Rise Above’
FOR FANS OF: Beirut, Anthony & The Johnsons

Posted on: 27th January 2010

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