Conformists - Three Hundred

by Maarten Schiethart

published: 30 / 5 / 2010

Label: Africantape
Format: CD

Unpleasant and nasty Steve Albini-produced reissue of now disbanded St Louis, Missouri-based group, the Conformists

Review

The Conformists, of course built up from non-conformists, perform emo math rock and splash in old time heavy metal at various stages. Busy and rattling percussion, supporting noisy snapshots, sets the general tone on 'Three Hundred' which was produced by Steve Albini, back in 2005. In 'emo' there's a tendency, or rule rather, to include flat vocals and the Conformists prove no exception. The band's main virtue lies in the staccato snare torture andtheir bass plucking stands out. Exquisitely produced as one may expect, 'Three Hundred', however, is nothing other than a time document. The sound of the Conformists comes closest to Albini's failed Rapeman project. Very unhumorous on 'Black People' and just as unpleasant as it probably was meant to be. it is a testament to a moment in history when the grim reaper reared his ugly head in the music business. The wit is too dry for measure and the competent musicianship only makes up for half of the boredom.

Track Listing:-

1 Untitled
2 Laundry Hepburn
3 Stairway to Heaven
4 Meredith Knezvitch
5 Tax Deduction
6 Black People
7 A.S.M.M.C.
8 Are These Flowers?
9 You're Welcome