Drop Nineteens
National Coma

THE REVIEW

In my daily activity on Debaser, searching for old reviews, I find myself reading a valid page by our kloo about the debut, we're in 1992, of Drop Nineteens’ Delaware. I have plenty of time these days to also pay attention to my long comment where, among other things, I refer to the follow-up National Coma of the very next year.

I retrieve the vinyl I hadn't listened to in a while: anonymous white cover that seems unwilling to encourage listening. The record is white barley water color; minimal notes about the recordings. No reference to the band members.

The young guys come from Boston; they settle with Caroline Records (Primus, Smashing Pumpkins, Think Tree... hurray!!!). Compared to the debut, the work boasts more energy, a consolidated intensity, thanks especially to the three guitars capable of "igniting" much of the songs.

We are still in the Shoegaze territory of My Bloody Valentine and Ride, with that brazen approach of the six strings speeding towards Noise and Indie...I also sense the Bostonian pixies, the Pixies!! Mostly short tracks that strive, with great success, to balance dreamy melodies led by the delicate female voice and noisy passages reminiscent of early nineties Sonic Youth. At times lively and determined, then narcoleptic and intangible.

Unfortunately vanished after National Coma; they eventually disbanded in 1995... such a pity.

"This generation in the end doesn't (didn't) ask for much, if not to dream" (Cit. Rumore September 1992).

Ad Maiora.