The Lawrence Arms
Oh! Calcutta!

THE REVIEW

Punk as it should be done, today. That's it, with the pros and cons of the case. Or rather, just the pros.

A Power Trio that in the ample half-hour of "Oh! Calcutta!" makes us forget indie intellectualism and mental fuss we often (shall we admit it? Oh yes) like to indulge in. And it brings to mind outdated concepts, so outdated that just mentioning them makes you feel naive. Or stupid. Things like "genuineness", "enthusiasm". Then you realize and wonder why you've become so cynical, and when it happened. But, it's clear to you why, after listening to Sigur Ros, Autechre and Battles, you end up turning your attention to these three drifters.

After the flights of fancy and experimentation, you let yourself be cradled in friendly territory. You know you'll hear the same chords for twelve songs, you know the choruses will all be raucously sung in unison, and that finding harmonies amidst them will be a challenge. You also know that, listening to the Lawrence Arms in your car, you'll go about 20 kilometers per hour faster than usual, and your mood will benefit.

Talking about individual songs seems ridiculous to me. There's one that goes "Great Lakes nananana" and another that says "Aeroplane lalala": it's not my thing, it's not this CD's thing. Of the two singers, one scratches, the other smooths. One gets drunk, the other drinks ace juice. Does anyone happen to know Latterman? They don't quite fit, but the intensity is the same.

And it doesn’t matter if you already know every chord of this album even before listening to it (and you do!): loosen that tie knot and smile. What better album than this to do it?

Good. I put the CD back in the car case. What should I put on now? "Remmings" by Anoice? So be it. I know we'll meet again soon, you bunch of three drifters.