Ever notice how bands try to avoid comparison, or take as much focus away from their influences as possible? Rock, punk, and all forms of guitar-drums-bass ensembles that are looking to establish themselves often try to set themselves apart to further convince the public that their sound is entirely unique. Style becomes so much more than substance. “It’s necessary for individuals to classify, but we have always tried to work outside of currently popular genres.” Enter Pretendo stage left.
The record should be on your desk now, and with its gorgeous artwork (Robert English’s room-size painting, “Grade School Guernicaâ€) it’s hard to miss. Moreso, I’ve spent far too much time with this record in the last week or two, and there’s so much to love. Hot Snakes, The Police, Queens Of The Stone Age…there are all kinds of influences all over this record. This New York City band includes members from Morricone Youth, The DaoSon, and Creedle, who were no tiny fish in the big pond.