Music: 1984x

1984x

Tri-state trio based out of Jasper releases killer EP of "good old fashioned fight music"

When JoXua H., the mastermind behind 1984x, one of the tri-state's most gripping new bands, announces that he hopes to inspire at least one kid to drop out of school and play guitar, you know that he means business. Don't be alarmed, he's only joking - but perhaps there's a kernel of truth in there somewhere based on the visceral nature of the just-released 2X22 EP, a 7-track assault of metal, punk and postpunk that makes you want to buck societal norms. Maybe even quit your day job and live off the land. Right from the samplebased intro of old school commercial snippets, it's clear that this is going to be an experience, all right.

What follows, somewhat surprisingly, is the opening jangle of "Tears of Brunswick" - an almost pretty guitar line that's ultimately smoke and mirrors, because a minute in, JoXua cranks up the distortion, paving the way for vocalist Curt X to crash the party with his commanding bark reminiscent of punk legend Ian MacKaye. Drummer Paul W. drives the powerful rhythm, sending "Tears" hurtling along with abandon to its close. "Hyperactivity" then picks up the baton and races full-speed ahead with thrilling metal riffing, never stopping for a breather. It's angry; it's raw; it's what music is supposed to be about: three guys in a room just bashing it out.

Actually, 2X22 was recorded in JoXua's mom's house in Jasper. She's been a longtime supporter, willfully tolerating the excessive noise produced by his various projects over the years. Now that's love. I mean, would you allow your son's friends to infiltrate your inner sanctum and make an unholy racket? For a taste of that hilarious scenario, check out the video for the album's centerpiece, "Home is Where You Make It," on YouTube. The track, cobbled together from previous song ideas - or that's how JoXua humbly suggests most of 2X22 came together ("I'm not the most creative of songwriters - lots of the songs are kind of recycled from old bands") - is a triumph, slowly evolving from a woozy, spidery guitar theme to chugging, fuzzedout power chords over which Curt wails the title as if he's in agony, or longing for a new life. Just brilliant.

The EP is rounded out by the bipolar "God May Forgive You (but I won't)," the self-explanatory "May Cause Psychotic Breaks from Reality" (fight music at its finest) and a re-recording of "Abaddon" from a previous release. All ace tracks. Mark your calendars, because 1984x will play the whole shebang at the Vincennes Riverfront Pavilion (Curt's hometown) on May 7 - a free show to celebrate this amazing new EP. And hopefully, the band will be able to hop on another local bill soon.

For more info, follow 1984x on Facebook. 2X22 is available on Bandcamp.

It's angry; it's raw; it's what music is supposed to be about: three guys in a room just bashing it OUT.