Dangerous Boys Club – “Pris” – [Dais]

Thurston Hunger   8/16/2014   12-inch, A Library

I was a fan of Portlander Mac Mann’s keyboards in Get Hustle,
that continues in his latest project. He just squeezes more
sweat out of them than most white-glove synth projects. He
is by no means alone here, Aaron Montaigne remains at his
side singing rogue romantic in some dirty neon haze. Hey
maybe that’s the key to Mann, perhaps he records with a fog
machine on? (They nearly admit as much on the excellent track
“Transilvania”!) But this is no float fest, bassist Mark Burden
makes sure to keep the panic button down (his Glass Candy
roots are appreciated!). Also helping with the fantastic filth
is Sam Ott whose electronic drums at times feel like IED’s
planted underfoot. Dance to this stuff…if you dare. Well,
“Heaven” is a drum-free disembodied voice cloud but cuts like
“Electric” and “Come Forth By Night” definitely pack more
clamour with their amour. “Guillotine” will turn heads,
Montaigne’s voice a blurry whispering blade at the end
of a grimey crime. “Possess Me!” is the most naked rock
number, Burden pushing the song like a punk son of Chris
Squire. And it’s an excellent example of the whirlwind
of electronics that Mann and Ott can whip up. Montaigne’s
voice is almost too pure here versus the musical debasement
going on. Even if it is a Boys Club (band name, ehh) they
do let Kaetlin Kennedy in at the end to good effect.

-Thurston Hunger