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 ex-Husker Du founder, Mould asked Uncut to open for his 2006 tour, which was, according to Uncut "the loudest series of shows we’ve ever been to." After two years of regular touring, including shows at CMJ in New York, and South by Southwest in Austin, Uncut had evidently arrived at their new sound: LOUD.

Loud like early '90s touchstones Swervedriver and Dinosaur Jr. Or perhaps The Jesus & Mary Chain. Cascading guitar squall, pounding rhythms, and basslines capable of moving the hairs on the back of your neck. Indeed, with their second album, bassist Derek Tokar has added his songwriting and vocal input along side Worang and Goldberg.

Through all of this hard work, the foursome found their live legs, playing off each other and creating an intense, connected stage presence. This shines through the bass-induced crevices of their new album Modern Currencies, lending it a more live, dynamic feel than anything you've heard from the band so far. Tight, but not over-produced; polished, but full of soul -- their experience as musicians is evident.

Over the last four years, Uncut have made the difficult move from a two-person studio project to a tour-ready four-piece. In doing so, they have outlived their early dance-rock pedigree, and are on to something new. Something better, and much, much louder.