The only thing wrong with The Airborne Toxic Event might be their name — which, despite lifting it from a book by one of my favorite authors (White Noise by Don DeLillo) potentially conjures up all sorts of negative vibes the band definitely doesn’t deserve or need. Even using the acronym — ATE — isn’t much help. Oh well, you’re better off judging this band on the basis of their music (or literary name-dropping), because this is another relentlessly catchy CD from start to finish.
I think The ATE’s self-titled debut has a decided new-wave sound to it. And maybe that’s why I find it so appealing. I love the sound of that chaotic energy. Guitars are either jangly and soaring or scratchy, angular, and staccato. Kind of like early Simple Minds invites the Gang of Four over and they bring along XTC. The songs are either 5-6 minute narratives full of earnest anguish or 2-3 minute power pop workouts that sound great on the CD and even more amazing live. The vocals aren’t pretty or polished, but they’re real and I believe their urgency. In concert everybody on stage is soaked in sweat by the end
of the show and so is the audience if they know what’s good for ‘em.
I think The ATE’s self-titled debut has a decided new-wave sound to it. And maybe that’s why I find it so appealing. I love the sound of that chaotic energy. Guitars are either jangly and soaring or scratchy, angular, and staccato. Kind of like early Simple Minds invites the Gang of Four over and they bring along XTC. The songs are either 5-6 minute narratives full of earnest anguish or 2-3 minute power pop workouts that sound great on the CD and even more amazing live. The vocals aren’t pretty or polished, but they’re real and I believe their urgency. In concert everybody on stage is soaked in sweat by the end
of the show and so is the audience if they know what’s good for ‘em.
What’s good for you is “Gasoline,” the Happy Medium Song of the Day by The Airborne Toxic Event.
(Please use the comments box to share your thoughts.)
(Please use the comments box to share your thoughts.)