Ha ha! There used to be a rap-core band from the UK called Bullyrag, and they were indescribably shite. You can probably find a review in the Collective archives where I gave it 8 out of 10 or something. Heh. But this Bullyrag is from, erm, Arizona. I think. They play good emo. This means it’s old stylee. ‘Disillusioned in Harlem’ starts out with lots of wrenched screaming before ebbing into that groove oriented sound perfected by the likes of Yaphet Kotto, Republic of Freedom Fighters (check the similar guitar sound Mr. Ears), blah blah, just get hip to it. Yeah yeah, a Current influence too. Vocals are shoutily sung, and the song rolls a long, nicely paced and good with it. The tune is backed with ‘Red Light Running’, which gently meanders in instrumental fashion for a good while, just chilling you out with subtle, jazzy bass and repetitive twinkle gee-tars mumbling in the background. The song builds up, gradually the bass playing a larger part, and it’s all very edgy, you’re just waiting for the song to explode or something. Anxious. Then eventually the previously twinkling guitars pick up the pace and rock it. And rather unexpectedly, they bring in the screamy vocals as the song hits its climax and drives to the finale. Rather neat!
Plus – you get a page torn from a book with your record. Fuck yes. My page freaks me out, a sock, a “can o’ beans” and a spoon are having a conversation. Eek.