Labels: Thrill Jockey
Review by: Tom Joniak
Negative Work is the second full-length by Boston’s E. The bass-less trio features former Karate drummer Gavin McCarthy and dual guitarists Jason Sanford of Neptune and indie stalwart Thalia Zedek.
Each collaborator takes their turn singing on their compositions, but it’s hard to start off talking about anyone but Zedek. Zedek cut her teeth fronting ’80’s post-punk bands Uzi and Live Skull, and her trademark husky vocals ring through to anchor the first third of the record.
Sanford’s confident vocals helm his driving songs over his angular, effect-laden guitar. McCarthy’s tracks are more deliberate, with halting, wavering vocals.
The record harkens back to the post-hardcore Touch & Go sound of the late 90’s, but it’s still very fresh to my ears. If you’re already a fan of Sanford or Zedek, it won’t disappoint.