Antiseen Noise For The Sake Of Noise CD

This debut album's mishmash of post-punk rawness, Sonic Youth-style noise guitar, and an unapologetic classic rock sensibility (covers include Roky Erickson's "Two Headed Dog," the Trashmen's "Surfin' Bird," and even a terrific reworking of Bob Dylan's "Positively 4th Street," that's actually the album's best track) sounds now like a dry run for the White Stripes, At the Drive-In, and My Morning Jacket. What Antiseen lacks that those later bands would bring to the table is the ability to expertly balance their pop and noise influences; as a result, much of Noise for the Sake of Noise sounds top-heavy with buzzsaw guitars and feedback drones in a way that the songs can't really support. ~ Stewart Mason

An augmented reissue of Antiseen's 1989 debut album, filled out with live tracks, early singles, and demos, Noise for the Sake of Noise still delivers on the titular promise, but in retrospect, it doesn't sound nearly as extreme as it did at the time of release. In fact, this album's mishmash of post-punk rawness, Sonic Youth-style noise guitar, and an unapologetic classic rock sensibility (covers include Roky Erickson's "Two Headed Dog," the Trashmen's "Surfin' Bird," and even a terrific reworking of Bob Dylan's "Positively 4th Street," that's actually the album's best track) sounds now like a dry run for the White Stripes, At the Drive-In, and My Morning Jacket. What Antiseen lacks that those later bands would bring to the table is the ability to expertly balance their pop and noise influences; as a result, much of Noise for the Sake of Noise sounds top-heavy with buzzsaw guitars and feedback drones in a way that the songs can't really support. The bonus tracks are a nice gift for fans, but nothing revelatory. ~ Stewart Mason

Includes liner notes by Jeff Clayton, Fred Mills, and Thee Whiskey Rebel.

Personnel: Jeff Clayton (vocals); Joe Young (guitar); Chris Peigler (organ, background vocals); Byron McDonald, Doug Throgmorton (drums).

Audio Remasterer: Dave A. Harris .

Liner Note Author: Fred Mills .

Recording information: Peninsula Sound, NC (05/1989); The Milestone, Charlotte, NC (05/1989).

Photographers: John Newman; Ken Salerno; Ron Bally; Stephen Sadler; Dan Clayton.

Antiseen: Jeff Clayton (vocals); Joe Young (guitar); Tom O'Keefe (bass); Byron McDonald, Doug Throgmorton (drums).