Volcano Suns - Farced (CD)

All Music Guide

On Farced, the boys are an artsy version of early Mudhoney, but quite possibly more drunken. That's saying something. Farced is a farce because it seemingly thrives on a grab bag of unexpected things -- found sounds and samples, cello, violin, and even sitar. The arrangements are constantly on the verge of breakdown, like an axle threatening to drop off of a vehicle. It's the Volcano Suns at their weirdest, noisiest, and most thrown together, but it still holds up somehow. It's probably the sense of humor that keeps it up. "Can I Have the Key" features some of Peter Prescott's oddest vocals, which randomly break into a strained upper register shriek that runs simultaneously with Chuck Hahn's anemic guitar strangles. It might not be Hahn, actually -- former official members David Kleiler and Gary Waleik are also credited on guitar, as well as Michael Cudahy. Judging from the proceedings, it's doubtful anyone would remember anyhow. The funniest thing on the record is "Belly Full of Lead,..." featuring more vocal acrobatics from Prescott and lyrics that possibly refer to Santa Claus as a sex symbol. Overall, the hooks are still there, but they're nastier. There's little throwaway material, save for the instrumental sitar workout "Shriney" (which is still pretty funny). - Andy Kellman, All Music Guide Read more Less