Album Review: Burial Teens’ Fascist Chrome

Fascist Chrome
(self-released)

If you had to name a band that typifies the underbelly of Kansas City rock-centric music today, you may as well say it’s Burial Teens. Unapologetic and intentionally contrary, the band — guitarist and lead singer Nathan Loud, drummer Dan Ohm, bassist Carrie Thomas — began under this name just a few months ago and was obviously fated to implode. And so it has: Scarcely three months since the release of Burial Teens’ debut, Fascist Chrome, the group has split.

But Chrome is a fantastic parting shot. The record injects nine tracks of dense, freak noise into the ear wound you’re left with. The music is devoid of sheen and pop hooks, but Burial Teens’ dissonant energy is nonetheless infectious. It’s damn near impossible to tell what Loud is singing about through the petulant whine of his voice and his scuzzy guitar work, and with song titles like “Mutilate It,” “I Believe in Demons” and “Sex With the Bisquick,” you’re probably better off not knowing. But the true beauty of this group lies in the irritable rhythm section, the messy wail of Loud’s malcontented singing (if you can call it that) and the sweat you can feel through your speakers.

Listen to the entire thing here.