In Atlanta there’s a progressive rock station that prides themselves on the great attention they pay- and generous air time offered to 90’s alternative tunes. It’s unclear to me how they intend to demonstrate progress while dwelling in the 90’s. I type this as Bill Clinton’s memoirs are setting sales records. Ah, the 1990’s… Who knew we’d get so nostalgic, so soon? Are we doomed to repeat the horror of those heifers, Tripp and Lewinsky? Must we continue to endure the Stone Pimple Toilets a decade after the fact? This radio station rests on the FM dial, and despite the lame musical offerings, they have a fantastic morning show. But even there we find the intelligent and irreverent host being dragged down by a pedantic Jewish sidekick and a long-haired Christian rock band drop-out.
Goddamn the digression kids, and peel back the veneer to find what might have been a comfortable segue. Five Eight was recently added to the aforementioned station’s play list and I’m reluctant to call it a successful step in the right direction, as some listeners may be quick to dismiss the band as Sub Pop and Seattle, rather than new millennium post-punk, from Athens, Georgia.
I’ve taken this record on several, more than casual, turns through the CD player, and admittedly, the songs start to grow on you- but that’s just it… Most of us, aside from a decent amount of hair in all the appropriate locales, don’t want things growing on us. Music is a first impression, love-hate relationship, and we should not be forced to warm up to a band- despite critical acclaim or record sales figures. Five Eight has been the next big thing to emerge from the indie rock environs of Athens, for years. It’s an albatross that hangs like an anchor around the 3 piece’s neck, and one that I assume they’d just as soon forfeit.
Almost 20 years after forming, and with half a dozen records under their belts, Five Eight turns out a self-titled effort that is neither ground breaking nor a complete disappointment. You’ll find 12 tracks of moody, darkish post-punk delivered with passion, but the album lacks that something special that separates some bands from the pack. “Criminal” opens the record and sets the tone with a deeply personal song about losing a loved one to a drunk driver. Front man Mike Mantione manifests all of his personality and experiences into songs that are perfect vehicles for preserving teen angst and depression- but I think he’s in his 40’s. When Bart told Lisa that making music that depresses teenagers is like, “shooting fish in a barrel” he was referring to the Smashing Pumpkins, but Five Eight is carrying that torch. The album’s best song, “I’m Still Around” is catchy and well crafted. With less than a minute left in the song Mantione’s declaration is undeniably legit, with a ferocious yet delicate vocal wail. “Liquor Song” is a forgettable ode to booze, and “Square Peg” is a young boy’s coming to terms, coming of age, etcetera song about being gay and not being able to live up to a father’s expectations. "I’m a two beer queer / Never gonna fit in, fit in, fit in." Incidentally, this is the song that’s been receiving that beloved radio air-play. Let’s hope that last lyric isn’t the one that just sticks in your head all day, and you find yourself unconsciously singing out loud in your cubicle. That might take some explaining.
