When Sonic Youth signed to a major label in 1991, digestible noise was suddenly available to the masses. It’s been interesting hearing the bands emerging in its wake for the past 15 years. Who will make the sound even more digestible? Who will make it even noisier?

I don’t know if the Blind Shake actually consider Sonic Youth an influence, but I hear its footprints, from the emotionally detached vocals to the riotous distortion. What the Blind Shake contribute to Sonic Youth’s legacy is more crunch and succinctness, and their fervent, short songs (the longest track is a mere 2:39; the shortest clocks in at only 33 seconds) are simultaneously catchy and infectious.

The speed is actually a little dizzying; at a total running time of 20 minutes, there are 12 songs crammed into Rizzograph. By the time you have your arms around a track, you’re halfway through the next one. That the Blind Shake can do this without completely losing you; however, is an achievement. This is fast, loud noise punk for those who like noise, and it’s done efficiently and emotionally. DB

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