eddy current suppression ring - rush to relax

[Aarght! : 2010]

After seeing the gobsmacking live show from Melbourne band Eddy Current Suppression Ring last night, we’ve been inspired to write about ‘Rush To Relax’ - their most recent full length release.
I don’t think it would be exaggerating to say ECSR is the most exciting band (and certainly the most electrifying live band) in Australia at the moment bar none. You’ve got this incredible raw punk sound - straight out of the backyard shed, a frenzy of wailing primal guitar licks from guitarist Eddy Current (“Isn’t It Nice”) and the explosive machine-gun racket from drummer Danny Current (listen to “Anxiety”) that hides the fact that these dudes are pretty amazing musicians. The garage vibe that these guys achieve is so authentic that you’re too busy moshing without a shirt on to notice any of the polished technicalities of their talents. Why waste your time doing that when you could be jumping around throwing beer on your head? Or having sex in the kitchen? Or giving yourself a homemade tattoo without anaesthesia?
Brendan Suppression is one of the most magnetic front men in rock and roll right now. His live performance balances raw sexuality, childlike joy and a disturbed intensity; and his words are like the tales of a sweet and awkward loser – “Tuning Out”, “Walked Into A Corner” the self-deprecating tales of an anti-social waster, while “Gentlemen” and “I Can Be A Jerk” are these sweet bluesy (and kind of slobbery) love songs – delivered with his trademark atonal babbling.
Having distributed the compliments, it is fair to say that this record isn’t perfect by any means. It definitely lacks the coherency and commitment of their first two albums (“Eddy Current Suppression Ring” 2006 and “Primary Colours” 2008) – it’s shambolic rock sure, but it’s just not quite as addictively listenable and impressively frenetic as the previous records.
But don’t get me wrong: we love this band. Make sure you are in the crowd the next time they come to a city near you. The Eddy Current Suppression Ring experience is one you can’t tear your eyes – or ears – from.




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