The Contrarians
New York's Newest Hitmakers

(No Label)

thecontrarians@hotmail.com

Anyone on the New York garage scene will undoubtedly recognize the name The Contrarians. Shortly after their first gig in the Spring of 2001, the Brooklyn-based quartet immediately began attracting an army of loyal fans won over by their crunchy "Grab a seat and hold on tight 'coz we're traveling fast" sound, which draws notable influence from both the heavier proto-punk combos of the 1960s, like The Sonics and The Stooges, as well as the punksters of a decade or so later, like The Ramones and Buzzcocks. Well, now their fans can have that sound echo across their own walls, as the band has just released a new EP with seven slabs of their smorgasbord of sound.

The notes cite New York's Newest Hitamkers as their debut. In truth, it is their third release (or second if you agree with the Contrarians collectors who regard You Will Listen as merely the overseas edition of The Contrarians) but it does mark their first recorded output featuring Dave Fudge, the Brit-born lead vocalist who replaced founding member Hot Dog Haines who departed in July 2002. But the other three original Contrarians, guitarist Jose Moreno, bassist Doug Mayer and drummer Scott Dennis remain on board, and their strength, confidence and tightness that came from a heavy gig and practice schedule since their 2001 formation transfers to CD quite nicely.

The disc kicks off with "You Turn Me On," not a cover of Ian Whitcomb's 1965 hit, but an original composition (as are all songs on this EP) that kicks off with a bassline that brings to mind either the Spencer Davis hit "Keep On Running" or Richard and the Young Lions' "Open Up Your Door." The song itself recalls the latter far more than the former, and is a pumped-up rocker with a heavy beat, a few pauses, and a rave-up ending. Taylor-made for the stage.

Next comes "Like a Fool," a declaration of disdain for the educational system (I think). This is a remake of a song on their earlier release(s). The music itself is basically the same, reminiscent of The Small Faces' "Whatcha Gonna Do About It" (which The Contrarians often include in their live set), but at some point in between the Hot Dog and the Fudge, the melody has been slightly changed, allowing for more manic expression. Another high-charged number, also notable for being the only track that exceeds three minutes (but only by ten seconds).

A relatively new song, "I Want It But I Can't Afford It," is a full steam twelve-bar number with excellent drumming and some very nice fuzz guitar (an authentic Maestro, I believe). Enjoyable to the point that I wished it had been a little longer (it clocks in at just under a minute and a half). But then, The Contrarains don't like to waste time. They come in, get right to the point, and finish.

The most melodic song of the bunch comes in next. This is not to say "For A Little While" doesn't inspire stomping and bomping. It certainly does, but this time in a minor key, and with some detectable influence of The Byrds in Mr. Moreno's guitar, and of Elvis Costello in Mr. Fudge's vocal, particularly on the title line.

The party continues, as there's a "Mojo On the Go-Go." Bassist Doug Mayer claims this song was Rolling Stones inspired. I personally would never have thought that. I would have instead guessed the very early Kinks (think "Long Tall Shorty" played faster). It's the fastest of the seven selections, with a chug-chug guitar line driving through. It's quite danceable.

In the penultimate spot is "Pop the Jack," the song that has many Contrarians fans talking...mainly questioning what popping the jack means. But nobody has been questioning the song's ability to rock the room. This is another that appeared on the earlier EP with their former singer.

"Midnight Plan" brings things to a strong close. Similar in structure to "I'm Walking Babe" by The Unusuals, one of The Contrarians' best-loved live numbers, this original brings back a little more Elvis Costello-isms in the vocal, as well as some tasteful (and tasty) fuzz guitar. It also feature's Dave's best scream of the disc.

So are they truly New York's newest hitmakers? Well, while I don't foresee hearing any of this music on Radio Disney (which alone is reason to snag this CD), this quartet could certainly teach the current mainstream garage bands (translated, the bands the media has dubbed garage that no real garage fan would ever dub garage) like The Vines, The Strokes, etc. something about finesse. Something about teamwork. Something about unity. Something NOT about a group of guys just plugging in, cranking up and banging away. Something NOT about a bunch of musicians where each is independently trying to drown out the others.

Au contraire.

______________________________________________________

To reach any other page contained in this month's update on Fufkin.com, read the home page for the appropriate link and click on it. You can also search the site from any page using the search box located at the top of each page. Merely type in the word, phrase, name of the band, recording, name of the Fufkin writer that you are looking for or Whatever in the search box, and then click on "Search". If you would like to e-mail us, go to the About Us page for a list of e-mail addresses.

Go back to the home page by clicking here

______________________________________________________