Album review: Art Brut, ‘Art Brut vs. Satan’

Kevin Bronson on April 23rd, 2009

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Art Brut, “Art Brut vs. Satan” (Downtown, April 21) – Thank the stars Eddie Argos is so self-absorbed, then thank them again that he seems to be such a miserable schmuck. Without those qualities, the repartee on the British quintet’s third album wouldn’t be so hilariously biting. Argos’ shout-sung conversations with himself (which remind me in various ways of Sam Kinison, Eddie Izzard and Lewis Black) gallop along over the music of his relentlessly tight band – featuring the twin guitar assault of Jasper Future and Ian Catskilkin and, on this album, production by Frank Black. Argos bemoans his benders (“Alcoholics Unanimous”), never-ending adolescence (“DC Comics and Chocolate Milkshake”), anxiety attacks (“Am I Normal?”) and crappy work (“Summer Job”). It’s clear his own music obsession is driving him crazy too – “Why is everyone tryin’ to sound like U2? / It’s not a very cool thing to do,” he opines in “Slap Dash for No Cash,” and he salutes “The Replacements” thusly: “How have I only / just discovered the Replacements? / Some of them are nearly / as old as my parents.” By the time he’s mixed his medications in “Mysterious Bruises,” you’ll have had a memorable ride, even as Argos exclaims “I can’t remember / anything I’ve done / I fought the floor / and the floor won.” Highly recommended.