The Brian Jonestown Massacre - Just Like Kicking Jesus

Tonar

Having endured more line up changes than a 100-piece orchestra, it’s somewhat surprising to find The Brian Jonestown Massacre are alive and well, and by all accounts still kicking and screaming . The now seven-piece are still churning out their head-mangling sounds like old pros. With song titles that make you laugh at a glance and some fancy footnotes on the CD, you know that you’re in for something strange yet wonderful from the word go.

Opening track, ‘Amazing Electronic Talking Cave’, and second track - the exact same only in English - slowly unfurls and lets us get acquainted anew with the neo-psychedelic sounds of Anton Newcombe’s deranged troupe. Newcombe appears to be on top form, delivering twists and turns aplenty. The hilarious yet controversially named ‘Bring Me The Head Of Paul McCartney on Heather Mills’ Wooden Peg’, may lead you to believe that these San Franciscan natives have fallen for our wonderful celeb-crazed culture, but you’d be wrong. Again we’re taken on a journey, with exceptional musicianship and caution to dynamics unheard of in today’s bouncy indie pop orientated scene.

Having previously had a track feature on UK cult comedy Skins, you can be sure this band isn’t just yesterday’s blimp. Some may call them mad men, some may call them genius, but whatever your take, this 5 song E.P. is at least worth a listen. Seanin Friel

Issue #50 - The Power To Know

Featuring The Top 50 NI Songs of Our Lifetime, The Streets, Deerhoof, Seasick Steve, Fucked Up, Garth Ennis and more.