Archers of Loaf

All The Nations Airports

Following this year's disappointing B-sides compilation, "The Speed of Cattle," indie rock champions, Archers of Loaf, have released a third full length album, "All The Nations Airports," (Alias Records) concentrating on folk-noise indie rock, that will please fans of the alternative airwaves. Influenced by Sonic Youth and the post-punk era of the late 80s and early 90s, Archers of Loaf's catchiness earned them Interview magazine's "Best Indie Rock Album of the Year" award for their `93 debut, "Icky Me ttle."

After recording their last album, "Vee Vee," with Steve Albini, the band seems to have chosen a cleaner production style for their newest album. I do have a general preference for dirtier recordings, but at least they ditched Albini. Eric Bachmann, singe r and guitarist, said, "It's sounding better than anything we've done so far."

Though not as catchy as "Icky Mettle," "Airports" is filled with concentrated feedback, plucked high-pitch guitar chords, and start-stop verses the Archers of Loaf are known for. Bachmann's deep throat singing and awkward accent can get a bit irritating after awhile, but seems proper for this type of indie sound.

The abundance of slower songs was slightly discouraging, but songs like "Scenic Pastures," serve as a good representation of Archers of Loaf's likable, melodic, yet noisy and unbalanced sound.

However, Archers of Loaf does take part in that alternative band trend of coming up with the worst possible song titles, such as "Chumming the Ocean" and "Distance Comes In Droves." Also, my tolerance was put to the test with the needless appearance of p iano in the last cut of the album, which seemed a wasteful step towards pretentiousness.

Although I'm not a fan of Merge, Drag City... blah, blah, blah, music, anymore, at least Archers of Loaf's music is more honest than anything produced by wanna-be's like Weezer or Nada Surf, who imitate the Pixies and then ask to be taken seriously in the ir caesar cuts and tight baby tees.

Archers of Loaf will be playing Friday, November 8, at Hollywood Alley in Phoenix.

Trunk Federation

The Infamous Hamburger Transfer

As soon as I read Phoenix' Trunk Federation's live act self-described as "gleeful," I knew I would hate their first full-length album, "The Infamous Hamburger Transfer." (Alias Records) Sounding plenty 80s rock, the sound of Trunk Federation has this ho rrible performance art attitude, which they apparently reflect in their use of "strange props" and "matching outfits" on stage.

The lead singer, whom I hope is the David Lee Roth lookin' dude in the press picture, has a bad, whiny voice reminiscent of Yes or Rush (like I've said before, they're all the same band). You would think a band could at least recognize that their vocalist sucked.

I couldn't decide if I wanted to immediately turn off the CD after hearing the repeated verse, "Don't be afraid of worms/ They won't bite you/ Because they can't bite," or continue listening for more guaranteed laughs. How exactly does one come up with such retarded lyrics as "Time out/ I thought we were friends/ I thought we'd be together forever and ever?"

It truly befuddles me that a band that represents so many vile aspects of modern music can hope to fool people. Trunk Federation is a band destined to play second stage Lollapalooza.

Phono-Comb

Fresh Gasoline

Started as an off-shoot project with Half-Japanese's Jad Fair, instrumental quartet, Phono-Comb has produced a nostalgia filled debut album, "Fresh Gasoline." Although recorded by favorite Steve Albini, the album is void of his usual abrasive inclination s. Though not outstanding, "Fresh Gasoline" blends surf and alternative, representing an atmospheric, consistent album.

I have always had little consideration for 90s surf music, considering the real stuff is usually ten times better than anything produced now, but after the two previously reviewed albums, the pleasantry of Phono-Comb was quite welcomed. "Fresh Gasoline" would be a good album to put on before going to sleep or while sleeping.

Phono-Comb's jangly guitars and melodic tunes are representative of the band members borrowed from Shadowy Men on a Shadowy Planet. Dream-like and pretty, Phono-Comb is far less offensive than other current retro acts.

However, the album lacks any sense of daring and even if you owned this, you probably wouldn't recognize it the next time you heard it. It's hard to say anything bad against something this harmless, but I wouldn't spend money on it.

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