The (International) Noise Conspiracy - A New Morning Changing Weather Review
Posted by Eric Katz on 08.31.2002
Note to Jim Vanderhorst: I guess my name is somebody, because I’ve already named it post punk retro rock. Need another example? See The (International) Noise Conspiracy.
So, before I start my review, I’d like to say a few things since my first review was also my, errr, audition. My name’s Eric Katz, and I’m a long-time 411 reader. I’m friends with video review wonder Bob Barron (and if you remember when Bob did a special report on the MSG house show in July and mentioned two friends, I was one of them). So a few days ago, Bob ims me and says “411 is doing a music section, you should talk to Widro. Not only am I a wrestling fan, but I’m a music junky. So I talk to Widro, I send him the Taking Back Sunday review, and voila I’m on board. So, now you get the superior tastes of Katz, telling you to put down the mall metal and listen to REAL music. Which leads me to the review . . .
I think it’s undeniable that the scene this cd falls into is the fastest growing right now. The Strokes are the biggest name, then The White Stripes, The Vines, and the Hives. People joke “it’s the invasion of the THE bands.” But even worse, people have no idea what to call this music. Some would say, “well it’s just an extension of punk rock”. Others would say, “rock and roll is back, baby!”. Now a guy I know decided to call this “post punk.” I thought, hey cool, that’s a pretty good name. The problem is, calling it just post punk leaves out the fact that this kind of rock has roots in older rock n roll. So, I decided on calling this “post punk retro rock”. Now, let’s look at a not as well known example.
The (International) Noise Conspiracy features Dennis Lyxzén (vocals), former front man of The Refused. Also in the band is Lars (guitarist) from Seperation, Sara (organ) from The Doughnuts, Ludvig (drums) from Saidiwas, and Inge (bass) from The Female Anchor of Sade. If you couldn’t tell by the names, The (International) Noise Conspiracy are a Swedish band. They have released two other cds, one off of punk powerhouse Epitaph, although in their sub label “Burning Hearts”, the same label that has produced The Hives “Veni, Vedi, Vicious”. A New Morning Changing Weather features more of the same of previous TINC. Dennis’s vocals are reminiscent of the vocals from the Hives, with a melodic voice that breaks into screams every so often. However, I’d say that Dennis has a tint in his voice that makes the sound very interesting. One thing that separates The (International) Noise Conspiracy apart is the presence of an organ. Sara’s organ parts stay with the music and are not irritating, something that piano parts in rock bands often tend to become.
A New Morning, Changing Weather is lead by several all-star tracks. The obvious feature song from the cd is “Capitalism Stole My Virginity”. This is probably TINC’s best song, ever. The guitar rifts are simply great to listen to, and the song flows and rocks. The interlude is reminiscent of rock and roll. The message of the song is typical of most TINC songs. They are a neo-socialist band, against capitalism. Their songs are very political. “We’re all just cheap products in someone else’s notebook,” is one of the memorable lines from the song. They also manage to repeat the idea that “Capitalism Stole My Virginity.” Another stand out track is “Up For Sale”. The song has a darker sound that is different from many other TINC songs . . . but it does not stray from the format of their song. The bass line is featured in Up For Sale, but in a lot of other songs on the cd, the bass line is easily forgotten. Melody is carried by guitar lines, with major harmony lines being played by the organ. The drum parts are not stellar, but they work for the songs.
I think one of my only complaints to the cd are some of the filler songs. Most cds you buy have several stand out songs, and then some filler songs. The problem is, the filler songs are so much worse than the stand out tracks. A few songs in the middle are boring, and drag on for too long. That happens to be my only complaint with “A New Morning Changing Weather”.
I’ll be back soon reviewing the new release by The Get Up Kids . . . and believe me, I’ve got a lot to say.
Also, I got a few responses about emotional hardcore. I’m in the process of building an “emo education” webpage, so soon I’ll show you all what emotional hardcore really is. Until next week, this is Katz and I’m out. Put down the mall metal and go buy some good music.
The 411: This is a great release in a booming genre. You have to have patience for a few of the filler songs, but the stand-out songs make up for it.
