Teenage Mondo Trash is the sort of album that affords new life to reviewers while killing them softly with its depraved song. Singular in their approach, to the point that you can skip to any track and find the same tune, 2UP are insulated from the world of popular culture, so much so that it's easy to find kindred spirits but difficult to locate direct pockets of influence beyond obligatory comparisons to the too-often-namedropped spazz sector (and anyone who mentions Mr. Bungle loses a spleen).
As life-affirming as it is to discover such a neon-pink piece of graffiti lining the walls of one of my favorite record labels, 2UP is a tough sell. For all the originality to be found, there's very little in the way of pleasantries. Singer/guitarist Tetsunori Tawaraya makes up for the dearth of a bassist with skillful picking, but his voice, more a weapon than an instrument, defines 2UP's game. He hen-pecks at the ear and swabs the soul, his sharp darts sticking and staying long after Mondo Trash's barely 15-plus minutes elapse. Serviceable drumwork by Keiichi Nakano, also of Dmonstrations, insures that nary a moment goes by without a random rhythm or fill.
All in all, Teenage Mondo Trash is too close to call. It is a release many will celebrate to discover, but repeated listens might be tough to come by. Then again, many of the most memorable artists start out this way. They spring so far over the gym mat that none of the judges even see their perfect landing. Being a kindly soul with a soft spot for lunging, warp-speed stabs at fresh rrrawk, I'll give 2UP the benefit of the doubt. But will you be so forgiving?
1. rope
2. bath
3. sirloin
4. torepan
5. byunbyun
6. karuta-iro
7. semedain
8. kirimakura
9. sauce
10. hammer
11. mop
12. tochika
13. barikan
14. wiennese coffee
15. monpe
16. halleys comet
More about: 2UP
