I took a break from writing these things cause, you know, work and life and all those other excuses came up. I figured I would get back on the horse by talking about Union Suit XL by Them Airs, one of my favourites from earlier this year. It is creative and experimental, while at the same time has a feeling of straight forward carefree post-punk; complex, but effortlessly enjoyable.
‘Reception Desk’ kicks the album off and gives a taste of the carefree attitude and raw DIY sound that is persistent throughout. A comment on the ridiculous focus we have on work in today’s society, with final lines of “Scentless hounds / Protecting their filthy crowns / Please tell me we’re more than / Please tell me we’re more than oxygen”. (Fitting how I opened this post by saying I have been over occupied with work…).
The second track, ‘Archer’, is quick interlude, of which there are a few on this album. I can best describe this song as a disintegrating mess. Something I doubt was meticulously planned and placed here, more so a “screw it, why not” sort of thing. If you take your music very seriously, this interlude will not be for you.
‘Reciprocate’ is the sixth track, and the surprise use of a banjo here helps make it a highlight on the album. This is not the only surprise here per se as these guys do not stick to a specific formula or sound throughout. You will be kept on your toes and are bound to come back for a few more listens to figure out what just happened.
This gets followed up by ‘Wade/Cull’. The high energy rock and roll intro serves as one of my favourite moments on the album, and then transitions into a twangy math-rock jam for the remainder of the song. The final track, ‘Corpse at UMass Dartmouth’, pushes the noise rock element of the band to the forefront. It is a dirty, gritty, perfect send off.
Union Suit XL clearly illustrates that Them Airs is a talented group of musicians. Despite this, they are never in your face about it as they care more about jamming out and creating an infectiously energetic atmosphere. The result is a fun album with a lot going on, but not to the point of being distracting.
Favourite Tracks: Reception Desk, Reciprocate, Wade/Cull, Slag Heap
Genres: #PostPunk, #MathRock, #ExperimentalRock, #NoiseRock, #IndieRock
Release Date: January 17, 2020