published: 1 /
6 /
2010
Anthony Strutt at Dingwalls in London watches an uninspiring set of noisy, repetitive new wave from 1970's Boston-based punks, Mission of Burma
Article
Mission of Burma formed in 1979 and released only one album originally, 1982’s ‘Vs’, before disbanding the following year. They reformed in 2002 and have since then knocked out another three albums, 2004’s ‘ONoffON’, 2006’s ‘The Obliterati’ and last year’s ‘The Sound The Speed The Light’.
They were massively influential on the likes of R.E.M. Sonic Youth, and Nirvana, and that was the main reason that brought me out to see them. I have heard their records and thought they were quite like the Stooges, but sadly, however, they wanted to stay back in the old spirit of American punk of 1979. It is sad watching a once great band over the age of 50 sounding so retro and primitive, but maybe that was the plan as most of the people around me had died and gone to musical heaven. To me though it was just very noisy, repetitive new wave and they sounded like they were trying to be an American Sham 69. Oh dear! They played about 70 minutes of the most furious punk rock I have heard and, to be honest, I don't want to repeat the experience.
The only thing that saved the night for me was opening band, New York's Endless Boogie, four dudes who looked like they had lived a life. Their lead singer, Paul Major, had hair down to his belt and looked like the love child of members of the Ramones or the Fuzztones. They jammed, rather then played, but, God, was it beautiful. They only did three numbers of their stoner rock, but the first was over 20 minutes long and musical nirvana.
At least, however, if nothing else, Mission of Burma chose to end the set with the classic ‘Academy Fight Song’, the only great number they played all night.
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