Live Review: HOWLER - America Give Up

HOWLER - America Give Up
Rough Trade/Remote Control
America Give Up is loud, unkempt, brash and at times hard to understand. In other words, it's the perfect debut for a rock band fronted by a 19-year-old. Lead singer Jordan Gatesmith and his band of Minneapolis natives have created one hell of a fuzzed out rock record. With plenty of adolescent enthusiasm and a party agenda, Howler doesn't mess around when it comes to messing around. Opening with Beach Sluts, the track takes a light-hearted shot at west coast surf rock bands (which Gatesmith is actually a fan of) whilst boasting a sweet surf guitar lick of its own.
This One's Different and Told You Once have been lifted from last year's EP This One's Different. Revamped in order to give the record overall consistency, both songs sound coarser with increased loads of static. This simple adjustment allows these older tracks to blend with newer material, such as recent single Back Of Your Neck. Here again Howler show off their contagious melodies and pop sensibilities, featuring a wealth of 'woo's that will be stuck in your head. About midway through America Give Up things do slow down for a moment with Too Much Blood. However, slower doesn't mean softer as the guitars still buzz before Wailing (Making Out) and Pythagorean Fearem pick up the pace.
America Give Up is designed to crackle your speakers as guitars rev in overdrive and crash cymbals forever ring out. It's unabashed indie rock that's hard to resist. Bottom line, if you like noise, you'll love Howler.
Marc Zanotti