No Age: Weirdo Rippers

Label: Fat Cat

You thought punk was dead? No way. Bringing back the raw-edged sensibilities of underground punk with a dollop of fuzzy shoegaze guitars, No Age mixes up genres with off-pitch screaming, nonsensical lyrics, seriously atonal noise, and a DIY attitude that rings loud and clear on Weirdo Rippers, their debut album. At its finest, the band’s vocals pay tribute to the tried and true listless sneer of every punk. Yet peeking through the duo’s rough-hewn cuts are strong melodies and gorgeous hooks, a testament both to Dean Spunt and Randy Randall’s fine talent and skilled arrangement, and their admiration for My Bloody Valentine’s lush noise pop. Nowhere do the worlds of hardcore punk and ethereal experimentalism coexist more blissfully than on the album’s opening track. The reverb of guitars washing along with the southern California shore on “Every Artist Needs A Tragedy” not only opens up Weirdo Rippers but heralds this L.A. duo toward future greatness. Look out! (Carrie)