ZapTown

[Article by Karen Shaver.]

Githead
Landing
Swim
Rating: 5 out of 5

Link: http://www.githead.com/

When our Zaptown editor last spoke to post-punk super group Githead in 2008 they were asked if they  considered  their band as a side project. Two years later the release of Landing on Swim answers the question. For a band whose musicians all have found musical success individually, Landing is proof these power players are easily able to pump out a fantastically written, produced, and marketable piece of work.

Opening song “Faster” is a 4:30 minute instrumental showcasing all of the whimsical vibrant sounds that unfold with in the next 10 tracks.

“Before Tomorrow” is a fast paced, poppy number combined with electronica elements that sound like a song straight out of an 80’s coming of age film.  I imagined the cast of The Breakfast Club dancing through the aisle of the library to this tune.   It has a happy go lucky feeling to it, with a post-90’s electronic twist.

“Ride” opens with a steel guitar, an apprentice to the intellectually aversive lyrics. Subtle distrusting words spoken not sung, “You don’t own me. Back off. Let go.”  The song slithers like a snake trailing along, transforming into  a galloping horse and ultimately ends with a ferocity that allows each musician to do just as the lyrics suggest, to let go during the powerful escalating ending.

Githead was featured in the March issue of Computer Music Magazine and hailed for utilizing mass computer effects which perfects the beat in “Over The Limit.” Self-taught guitarist Robin Rimbaud, from Scanner, has a reputation for multi-layering sounds which is apparent in this tune, while the vocals portion has Ramones undertones.

“Lightswimmer” is as close to the Beatles in the new millennium as it gets. If the Beatles were still together today, Light Swimmer would certainly have been the tune to allow Githead to accompany them on the road, as well as perhaps bringing all of the musicians together while playing Lightswimmer as an encore for this fantasy venue I drifted off to while listening to this song.

“From My Perspective” is a simple song perfectly constructed in  true songwriting, poppy, manufactured eletronic fashion. Lyrics stating and asking, “We should be making plans what could be? What should be?” A poignant statement as this song’s perfectly constructed architecture allows “From My Perspective” to carry the label as the song with the most commercial potential.  Advertising  agencies around the world, here is the song that will sell your products off the shelf.

In “Dispacement And Time,” the up-beat tempo, and electronic allure is intensified by Max Franken’s hard-hitting drums. He’s called the ‘Carpenter” as he hits his skins so heavy the floor surrounding his set is usually covered in wood chips from the numerous drum sticks he annihilates during a show.  “Dispacement and Time” is proof that he is a minimalist in the cymbal department.  Yet their absence is not missed. The combination of drum machine vs. drummer is apparent.  For those who appreciate the sound of a high-hat, or a crash cymbal, you wont hear it here.  Which make this song a sure fire winner at the clubs.

“Transmission Tower” is perhaps my favorite of all 10 tracks. The overall feeling of inner peace and turmoil is profoundly enlightening. With mass computer generated effects over a simple  baseline and again with those ethereal vocals and the occasional whispers to go along with the wonderful mayhem they create.  Transmission Tower closes with a powerful metallic ending, reminding me of one of Githead’s fave bands, My Bloody Valentine.  I could write a James Joyce sized masterpiece while listening to this one on a loop!

The musicians in Githead are known to write, rehearse and record all in the same sitting and whose general goals while making this album were to create, creatively together. The Landing exudes honesty, diligence and consistency, and an abundance of creativity.