Shudder To Think
Pony Express Record

The major debut of Shudder To Think still shines on our shelves, more than ten years since its release. It’s the classic '90s rock album: saturated with fusion, invective, and personality. In this category, “Pony Express Record” was among the absolute pinnacles. It did not achieve the hoped-for success both because it didn't conform to the alternative-mtv stereotypes prevailing in 1994, and because it was too ahead of its time in heralding emo sounds (especially thanks to Craig Wedren's voice) that, with much less originality, would characterize the latter part of the decade.

Starting from the post-punk of Fugazi (STT was formed in Washington DC and the first records were released by Dischord), Wedren and company showcased an astonishing eclecticism in the album in question, reminiscent of Jane's Addiction in the rare ability to fuse different styles into a single piece with the ease of first-rate talents. It is probably the album Billy Corgan had in mind to create with “Mellon Collie,” but which he did not fully achieve, amidst the prolixity and affected mal de vivre of its author.

What makes the sound of “Pony Express Record” so valuable? A mix of neo-psychedelic and folk sounds that crash against rough post-punk and grunge certainties. A happy combination of melody and noise, between the visionary nature of '60s rock and the urgency of '90s rock, masterfully captured by Andy Wallace's dry production. Or the ability to go beyond the Zeppelin clichés: In tracks like “9 Fingers on You”, “Chakka”, or “Sweet Year Old”, the force of the Zeppelin is sublimated into emocore sounds, creating truly exciting moments. And what about the sumptuous derailments towards post-rock realms (“Kissi Penny”, “Full Body Anchor”), or the pursuit of jazz virtuosity (“Own Me”), made striking by the excellent technical prowess of the Roman musicians?

Said of a couple of sensational ballads (“No RM 9, Kentucky”, “Trackstar”), excellent in highlighting the soul nuances of Wedren's voice, the album's content is probably summarized by the admirable “So Into You”. Moments of silence torn apart by the vocalist's stunning voice alternate with phenomenal electric fury. Undoubtedly the peak of an album to be re-evaluated.