Experimental punk outfit Uniform’s debut LP No Trending is a refined, melancholy survey of a modern world where smart technology and social media interspaces with the synapses of the human mind ushering in a subtle next wave of evolution. In songs such as “Altar State,” Crystal World,” and “Memory Form,” singer, guitarist, and Uniform mastermind Josh Feigert leads drummer Bobby Michaud, guitarists Andrew Wiggins and Bryan Scherer, and bass player Louise Laverne away from the group’s earlier, more aggressive leanings. The album’s dreary anthemic qualities underscore the crashing rhythms of “Bored Voyeur” and “Euphoric State.” Singing free of any perceptible post-production treatments, Feigert’s barreling and sympathetic voice brings compelling human character to the album’s dystopian themes — embracing the fact that, like it or not, humans are cyborgs now. It’s an unconscious movement, sublime by design, and now part of life. Wiggins, Sherer, and Feigert pull off fierce and yearning guitar solos that move at an unnaturally measured pace — slow, but driven by enough momentum to fall under the punk banner. It’s an absolute treat when a band brings punk into a modern context. No Trending is a vital album for Atlanta circa 2017, an angst-ridden lullaby for the new Dark Age that technology has ushered in. Play it loud. (Label: State Laughter/Scavenger of Death)
— Chad Radford
The following record stores carry local albums or can easily source them for you. When you purchase them, let them know how much you appreciate their support for local bands!
- Criminal Records (L5P)
- Decatur CD & Vinyl (Decatur)
- Fantasy Land Records (Buckhead)
- Wax’n’Facts (L5P)
- Wuxtry Records (Decatur)
Buy it here: uniformatl.bandcamp.com
Items Under $50