Neung Phak “Fucking U.S.A.” [Abduction] (33 & 45 RPM)

The farcically foreign Neung Phak is one of several alter egos of experimental noise outfit, Mono Pause. Originally a duo from River Falls, Wisconsin, Mono Pause formed in 1993 and relocated to West Oakland. They released numerous albums with a rotating line up, allegedly including members of Negativland. Neung Phak, however, features original members Peter Conheim and Mark Gergis along with vocalist / bassist Diana Hayes of San Francisco’s synth no wave sensation, Dynasty. On this seven-inch recording, one firmly grasps Neung Phak’s bizarre fascination with Southeast Asian psych & pop experimentations. Side A of ‘Fucking USA? is a confrontationally rambunctious rock tune. It has a mid tempo beat, three chord progressions, inflamed exotic lyrics, absurdly ‘Asian-flavored? keyboard squeals akin to an 8 bit videogame soundtrack from overseas, and, of course, that hysterical sing along chorus! Side B was recorded live at Illinois? WNUR and features a reworked version of a classic Thai pop tune, ‘Tui Tui Tui.’ It’s a weird mixture of swingin’ pop, clean guitar strums, congas, and perceivably muted ska-esque horns. And YES, the chorus RULES once again! BE CAREFUL, the final portion of this cut SOUNDS like it skips, but it DOES NOT! Finally, a trippy improvised psych lounge & RADIO FRIENDLY rendition of ‘Far King USA? closes out the explorative sound excursion. 3WR: NEUNG PHAK-ING RULES!