CD Reviews

Oneida

Preteen Weaponry | Jagjaguwar

By MICHAEL PATRICK BRADY | July 29, 2008

2.5 Stars

As the first in a planned trilogy of releases titled Thank Your Parents, Oneida’s Preteen Weaponry is a fair introduction to the band’s stripped-down, elemental nature. Fashioned after their free-spirited, improvisational live performances, the album is one 39-minute song divided into three parts, even though you’re supposed to listen to them as a whole. Oneida make no attempt to provide context; they simply launch into the largely instrumental performance and allow listeners to find their own way. The band wear their influences on their sleeves: the oscillating organ on “Part 1” is reminiscent of Suicide’s “Rocket U.S.A.,” and the steady, engaging beats tapped out by drummer Kid Millions are unmistakably krautrock. “Part 2” introduces some welcome drama, lurching ghoulishly amid the scorched landscape of rumbling keyboards and squealing acid guitar. Oneida have always been a thick stew of different influences, but usually with a dash of originality to bind it together; Preteen Weaponry never rises above pastiche. Nevertheless, the band’s hypnotic drone sweeps through the album like a swift current — it’s enough to generate anticipation for their future travels.

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ARTICLES BY MICHAEL PATRICK BRADY

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THESE NEW PURITANS | HIDDEN | March 09, 2010
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