Your Future Our Clutter

Many are the Fall fans who meet each new release with expectance, apprehension and a sense of weariness. After all, Mark E. Smith has been making records since the late ‘70s and no matter the line-up backing him has turned the music into a one-man rant. In recent years, his band has stepped up the musical pulse, finding a groove and melody amongst the industrial clang with keyboards and guitars that somehow navigate without disrupting their fearless leader. Smith has been at this for years and his stubborn approach means a tense bravado leading his near-atonal singing. “O.F.Y.C. Showcase” sets up the schematic as the guitar seeks out a tortured rockabilly riff under the relentless pounding. “Bury, Pts. 1 & 3” is more distorted garage rock where the lo-fidelity ramps up the urgency. “Mexico Wax Solvent” is the Fall worming their way to the dance floor with their perverse streak intact. Wanda Jackson’s “Funnel of Love” gets the Manchester shiver sent through its young rock ‘n’ roll soul. Smith is one of the few rock visionaries who refuses to compromise for anyone.