Uncut

Wall of sound. Not the first term one would have used to describe the original incarnation of Uncut, a product of multi-instrumentalist Ian Worang, and techno producer Jake Fairley. With their early singles making it into the record bags of high-profile DJs quick to adopt the then-fresh dance-rock phenomenon, an album full of club bangers might have been expected -- but intentions change, and all that. So after Fairley relocated to Berlin, Worang rebuilt Uncut with Sam Goldberg (ex Hawaii, Bodega, Bionic), Derek Tokar (ex Radioblaster) and Jon Drew (ex Raising The Fawn), signing to Toronto's Paper Bag Records, and releasing the debut album, Those Who Hung, Hang Here. Sure, original hits like "Understanding The New Violence" continued as a propulsive explosion of danceable energy, but with guitars replacing computers at shows, and a total reliance on live percussion (from drummer/producer Jon Drew), the feel was entirely different. And entirely good, if one were paying attention to the critical praise the band was receiving. So what does critical praise get you these days? The ear of Bob Mould, evidently. Indie-rock legend, and... more...