Skull Control

Deviate Beyond All Means of Capture (Touch & Go)
by Jon Sarre

When ya see this record in the cut-out bin, don’t let the entirely crude (and sorta stupid) cover art – I mean, it looks like they pasted it together at the local Kinko’s after too many bong hits – turn ya off, cuz Skull Kontrol‘s brainy-without-thinkin’-too-hard-’bout-it post-hardcore is a throwback to the days when their label (venerable Chi-town indie, Touch & Go) wasn’t puttin’ out lousy pop tripe from the likes of Blonde Redhead. Sure, the boys and girl(s?) that make up the band get sing-songy sometimes, but when Chris Thomas gets into his frequent, bratty Ian Mackaye imitations, and bass-fumbler Kim Thompson backs up choice phrases with moany harmonies, all’s pretty good. They claim their only goal is to “avoid the prevalent ‘professional working band’ attitude that had recently infected so many underground bands.” So, uh, why does Skull Kontrol bother doing this? Just as a gift to us humble music lovers, I guess. Thanks.
(PO Box 25520 Chicago, IL 60625)