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The Cool Devices
The Cool Devices
Rock Proper
A band has a lifetime to release their eponymous debut. When that initial effort gains momentum—positive or negative—in the "listening" community, the band has only a short time to capitalize or overcome with their sophomore offering. That being said, I'll look forward to The Cool Devices second release—when and if it comes. Their first has been touted as the "loudest protest record ever," and early press suggests influences of Bad Brains and P.I.L. I can hear HR of Bad Brains. I can also hear Sonic Youth and touches of The Sisters of Mercy, especially on the opening track "(this is not a) WHITE WORLD." The Cool Devices' debut entwines an enjoyable rhythmic dissonance between the keyboard and guitar. I cannot, however, hear any of P.I.L. Johnny Rotten had a talent of blending some sort of melody to the Sex Pistols or Public Image Limited's cacophony. The Cool Devices are simply shouting to the rhythm of the guitar and song. At the same time, I feel that there is something more they have to say and play. I think that the measure of art (music, painting, written word—whatever) is—if it stays with and affects you for sometime after you put it away then it's something worth keeping and knowing. The debut EP of The Cool Devices will—for me—be put away. I will, however, look forward to the next one.
Rating Scale:
1.5/5 OIs!!
OI, O..!!
—Peter Hamm
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