Song Of The Day No.46

Weatherbox

by Mission Of Burma (Vs, 1982)

The Boston band had originally only released one long-player, Vs, until they reformed in 2002 with Bob Weston (Shellac) performing live with them. Formed in 1979 the band had roots in post-punk which was developing at speed at that time but when Vs was released in 1982 the band had developed to include more a industrial-rock, hardcore aspect to complement their post-punk sound. An extra layer of music in the form of cassette tape loops courtesy of Martin Swope helped the group stand apart and claim a more experimental demeanour.

The tape loops are easily recognised on this track as they accompany a steady rhythm with screeches, beeps and psychedelia influenced oscillations. The song has a heavier feel to it than a standard post-punk offering would have, this is thanks, mainly, to the crunching guitars and the deeply dominate bass line. This repetitive combination of guitar and bass provides a vehicle for the song which is interspersed with changes in rhythm and intensity by the incision of collective vocals and high piercing, chiming guitars at various points in the three and a half minute long track.

AR