Tanger – Review

Tanger

(Owned & Operated)
by Tim Den

Everyone who was afraid that O&O Records was going to be a strictly pop-punk label (because of it being owned by Descendents/ALL) rejoice. Straight from the Touch & Go aesthetic comes Tanger, a band so unpop-punk it’ll make your little nephew cringe in fear. Half of that fear will be caused by the might that Tanger holds in their Chicago-style indie rock a la The Jesus Lizard and Shellac.

Stomping beats, jarring guitar lines, thick and fuzzy distortion, and more of that clear-voiced shouting that the Midwest community has patented. With producer/songwriter extraordinaire/indie rock king, Steve Albini, at the soundboard, Tanger is heavy like garage rock should be and slick like an Albini band should be. Insightful lyrics and multi-dimensional songs give this debut the maturity of a seasoned pro, and Tanger will definitely be joining the always-dependable list of ass-kickers from the Windy City.
(PO Box 36 Fort Collins, CO 80522)