Blonde Redhead La Mia Vita Violenta CD

With their second release, La Mia Vita Violenta, Blonde Redhead maintain their organically low-fi aesthetic and continue to prove themselves as one of indie rock's real triumphs. Even after the departure of guitarist Maki Takahashi, they still make more noise with three people than most bands could make with ten. Guitars tear into the songs -- pointed, direct, and tough -- while the vocals of Kazu Makino and Amedeo Pace weave tightly into drummer Simone Pace's impeccably precise backing. Timing is everything, and Blonde Redhead certainly have it. They're dirty when they need to be and crystal-clear when the situation calls for it. Never angry, the trio plays hard and fast to the point where the instruments seem to play themselves with the deftest of precision. The production is so skillful that even with the most Spartan of recording gear, guitars end up sounding synthetic, in that painting-looks-like-a-photograph kind of way. And the volatile changes -- from sweet acoustic strums to drilling power chords -- make this album a whirl of unexpected surprises. La Mia Vita Violenta is math rock without the nerdiness and art rock without the pretentiousness. ~ Ken Taylor

Blonde Redhead includes: Kazu Makino, Amedeo Pace (vocals, guitar); Maki Takahashi (bass); Simone Pace (drums).

Spin (2/96, p.89) - 7 (out of 10) - "...open-tuned licks...Maracas used as drumsticks....One chord mini-rave-up sections that modulate from chunk-chunk-chunk-chunk to wang-wang-wang-wang...[and] melodies...driving, compellingly weird ones at that..."
Alternative Press (2/96, p.56) - "...a beautiful work. Strange tunings power a constant ebb and flow, as Blonde Redhead radiate lush soundscapes with experimental elan. False harmonies juxtaposed with soothing female vocals alternate with waterfall melodies backed by orgasmic shrieks..."