Russ Hockenbury
07/22/06, 05:05 PM
La Guillotine – Throat
Release Date: December 27, 2005
Record Label: Kill Normal Records
There are some things in life that are so repugnant that it actually becomes part of their charm. Robin Williams as a talk show guest is one such example. Every time he manages to find screen time on someone else’s couch or chair or stool or etc., it never ends in less than an exhausting combination of muggings befitting a stroke victim and impersonations only the deaf, dumb, and blind would deem accurate. Still, like countless others, I can’t turn away from the ensuing train wreck.
Indie rock has found its Robin Williams in the form of La Guillotine vocalist, Trevor Johnson. The schizophrenic frontman evokes the caterwauling of Daryl Palumbo, the chant of Zack de la Rocha, and the warble of Conor Oberst on his band’s debut full-length, aptly titled Throat. As impressive as those three very unique personalities are on their own, forced to all exit out from Johnson’s larynx at the same time the result is almost ear-bleeding. Still, like I’m predicting a number of you won’t be able to, I can’t turn Johnson off.
Credit the rest of the politically charged, La Guillotine for making Johnson grotesquely attractive. If it weren’t for the spastic post-punk soundtrack playing in the background, Throat would easily find it’s way into the “Unlistenable” pile I, and all critics, have in the bottom right corner of their cd tower. As it is though, the danceable rhythms, frantic drumming, and occasional handclap moment fit seamlessly with their enigmatic frontman. Making you have the epiphany, “Oh, I get it! These guys are spazzes.”
Now, if I could just have the same breakthrough moment watching RV.
I saw a man who wasn’t there: “Raccoon”, “Quiet Sick”, “Sleep Marks”
Angry Nerd Rock: At The Drive In, Q and Not U, Rage Against The Machine
Release Date: December 27, 2005
Record Label: Kill Normal Records
There are some things in life that are so repugnant that it actually becomes part of their charm. Robin Williams as a talk show guest is one such example. Every time he manages to find screen time on someone else’s couch or chair or stool or etc., it never ends in less than an exhausting combination of muggings befitting a stroke victim and impersonations only the deaf, dumb, and blind would deem accurate. Still, like countless others, I can’t turn away from the ensuing train wreck.
Indie rock has found its Robin Williams in the form of La Guillotine vocalist, Trevor Johnson. The schizophrenic frontman evokes the caterwauling of Daryl Palumbo, the chant of Zack de la Rocha, and the warble of Conor Oberst on his band’s debut full-length, aptly titled Throat. As impressive as those three very unique personalities are on their own, forced to all exit out from Johnson’s larynx at the same time the result is almost ear-bleeding. Still, like I’m predicting a number of you won’t be able to, I can’t turn Johnson off.
Credit the rest of the politically charged, La Guillotine for making Johnson grotesquely attractive. If it weren’t for the spastic post-punk soundtrack playing in the background, Throat would easily find it’s way into the “Unlistenable” pile I, and all critics, have in the bottom right corner of their cd tower. As it is though, the danceable rhythms, frantic drumming, and occasional handclap moment fit seamlessly with their enigmatic frontman. Making you have the epiphany, “Oh, I get it! These guys are spazzes.”
Now, if I could just have the same breakthrough moment watching RV.
I saw a man who wasn’t there: “Raccoon”, “Quiet Sick”, “Sleep Marks”
Angry Nerd Rock: At The Drive In, Q and Not U, Rage Against The Machine