The thing about first impressions is that they're perfectly superficial; whether they're good or bad is irrelevant because they're only representative of the tip of the iceberg and what lies beneath the surface might be considerably more substantial. In Action Makes' case, those introduced to the band via their single released on Magnificent 7s four years ago were presented with the image of a band steeped in classic rock tradition (not for nothing did they draw comparisons to the 13th Floor Elevators and the Rolling Stones), but with energy and chops to spare; in two songs, the band rocked like a beast and left no loose ends dangling as they rampaged through the format. That single was a great introduction but, on their self-titled LP, listeners not only get a more substantial look at the band, but also a better idea of what they're about.
As it turns out, there's even less pop to Action Makes than the band's first single let on, and a far greater methodology at work in the band's music. From the opening barrage of “Berlin,” listeners will be able to mark a far greater British rock influence than “Charley & The CFF” or “Get The Joke” let on as singer/guitarist Clint Rogerson rapid-fires out nervous and angry missives that kick right to the heart of rock & roll (lines like “I dunno what to say/dunno what to do” will make a believer out of anyone) and joins guitarist Noel Fenn in sawing through the mix with a series of syncopated assaults.
While “Berlin” may have been a bit of a stretch out for some fans, things begin to stretch even further as the record progresses. Immediately on “Into The Night,” vapors of darker and more psychedelic rock begin to waft through the floorboards and overtake the band as stomping, rough and ready progressions become the norm and a swaggering, confrontational vibe dominates songs including “Sandworms” and “Bellhop,” and is coupled with a bit of eerie, drone-y dissonance for “Let Them Go.” Those who rallied to the band's Mag7s single might be bucked initially as the band begins to skip out on the more bluesy structures but, when Rogerson begins howling in the bridge of “Let Them Go” (the words “How would you know?” haven't sounded so anthemic in years), they'll start angling back pretty quickly for another look and find that the second side of the album will keep them entranced as songs like “Drag The Lake,” “Drive My Truck” and “Pleasant Hymn Part II” all slide deeper into the pocket. Here, while the urgency doesn't lay up, a terrifying amount of drugged out delirium and enough dissonance to make the little hairs on the back of any listener's neck stand up become the things that characterize the music and get pulses racing. The mutation expressed by Action Makes' first LP is remarkable really; on the record's second side, Action Makes manages to well-exceed the first impressions left by their “other” release, and even leave the first side in the dust, and leaves the field wide open for future releases too.
Artist:
www.myspace.com/actionmakesmusic
www.facebook.com/actionmakes
Album:
Action Makes is out now. Buy it here on Amazon .
