Intelligence - Icky Baby

It's always great to see new bands completely toying with the fairly inclusive "punk" genre. A purest may want it to stick to the three chords and some shouting, and undoubtedly there are many fine bands with enough angst and vitriol to do the punk of old proud. But as far back as Suicide and Throbbing Gristle, we've had bands that whilst technically not having the general characteristics of the genres founders, still have the desire and ability to create noise that'll offend, sicken, shock and surprise anyone willing to listen.

With that said, last year saw the American noise-punks Intelligence release their album "Icky Baby". The record is divided in to two types of songs. In one they sound like The Jam on effects, distortion and a bag of 'shrooms but when they're at their absolute best, on songs such as "Life Preserver" and "Cheer Up Switch" they sound like a mutated Part Chimp doing Pil covers. All confined within a cleverly planned chaos. I'll probably always have a soft spot for noise like this. Completely calm, fairly deadpan yet still so loud and vicious. Giving off a strong feeling of claustrophobia and fear every step of the way.

Intelligence - Life Preserver
Intelligence - Cheer Up Switch

Buy Icky Baby from Amazon