In musical terms, the phrase ‘hardcore’ has a variety of connotations from gut-wrenching discordant punk rock to nose-bleeding techno.
Often vilified by pastel-clad balladeers, Hardcore may cross genre but it has one constant definer: noise, and lots of it.
Dan Deacon’s star is most definitely on the rise at the moment, from scoring Hollywood blockbusters to creating the type of sound installations you love to pretend to ‘get’.
On America however, Deacon has turned that hardcore element up to max, creating what is essentially a heavy rock album forged by machines, celebrating the legacy of the world’s most famous, and famously vilified country.
Flipping between astral synth tones and glockenspiels, to tough beats and feedback-laden guitars, America is in turns difficult, surprising and joyous. The first half is even comparatively easy listening, in a falling down the stairs type of way.
Opening track “Guildford Avenue Bridge”, is nothing more than snatches of noise and dialogue that echo a land of repeated mistakes: “We’ve been here before…”
The second half becomes slightly more hostile even though Deacon brings in the strings on the subtly titled USA I: Is a Monster.
By the time the head pummelling strains of USA IV: Manifest come round, you are either staring at a padded wall or pogoing around the living room. Either way, a great result.
If you are open minded enough to appreciate the message, not the medium, America is an inspired, if somewhat uncomfortable, uplifting experience.
