The Rebels Not In

Statistically speaking, had William Shakespeare a typewriter, a lifespan that stretched to the end of the twentieth century, and a compulsive/random two-fingered-peck typing style, it is quite possible he could have written the entire eleven songs included on the new Halo Benders album, The Rebels Not In. In fact, this week in heaven W.S. and M. Proust are having a no holds bard shoving match to determine who holds the title of literary progenitor of the otherwise completely fresh and original guitar stylings of Doug Martsch and the current set of Halo Benders recordings. On this album Doug wails away on guitar and voice accompanied by Calvin Johnson (also guitar and voice, but with a strong Jackson Pollock influence), Ralf Youtz (playing drums and guitar) and Wayne Flower (bass and drum). Steve Fisk also makes his customary appearance on keyboards, playing on various songs organ, synthesizer, harmonium and theremin. The Halo Benders are celebrating the death of alternative rock in a new and exciting way: guitar bass drums two thumbs up and four stars (out of four). The songs on this album have all sorts of problems to solve, and they always do by the end of the last reel. So bask in the glory of all things Bo Diddley inspired, from Buddy Holly to the Mark of the Beast, and do that thing where you play it till it’s worn and grey.