Jason Bergman
Every Monday through Friday, we deliver a different song as part our Song of the Day podcast subscription. This podcast features exclusive KEXP in-studio performances, unreleased songs, and recordings from independent artists that our DJs think you should hear. Today’s featured selection, chosen by Midday Show host Cheryl Waters, is 88th Precinct
by Team Robespierre from the 2008 album Everything’s Perfect on IMPOSE Records.
Formed in 2005, Team Robespierre quickly developed a reputation for their rambunctious live shows. After listening to their debut album, it’s easy to understand why — only 2 tracks exceed the 2-minute mark and all 18 minutes of the record are loaded with driving punk guitar riffs, tons of call-and-response shouts and enough sweat-soaked adrenaline to raise the dead. Upon first listen, I expected to be left unfulfilled by such short tracks, but each cut forms a complete thought before starting anew. These primarily punk-rock tunes are laden with heavy synths and dance beats that encourage shaking your rump as much as bangin’ your head, and with 4/5 of the band contributing vocals, the scope of each composition expands exponentially and often instantaneously. On September 17th, the band is coming by the station to play live in the studio before dazzling what is sure to be a full house at Chop Suey that same night. Check out their MySpace page for other dates, of which there are quite a few, and don’t miss this video for none other than 88th Precinct
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