Just last September, we were puzzled—in the best way—by the jagged, off-kilter post-punk of Artificial Go’s Hopscotch Fever. Lo-fi clatter, intricately tangled, yet always brushed with a hint of pop. Now, the Ohio-based band follows it up with Musical Chairs (Feel It).
A lot has stayed the same, and yet quite a bit has changed. The sound is denser, more focused. Each track carves out its own distinct theme, musically unique, always infused with a sense of humor.
At the center is Angie Willcutt, whose vocals—half-sung, half-spoken in a thick accent—give the band a singular identity. “Yaya” stands out in particular. There’s plenty of madness again, but also unexpected catchiness—like on “The World is My Runway.”
This is a record that cares nothing for convention. Post-punk collides with garage pop, but that’s not the whole story. “Tight Rope Walker” dips into glorious psychedelia, while “Sky Burial” spirals into a full-blown trip. It’s all thrown out there, raw and chaotic—yet at the same time meticulously crafted. Bizarre and brilliant.
Artificial Go – Musical Chairs: Arty post-punk with a mind of its own. – RIFL