Sunday 11.15.09: Part Time Punks Presents MISSION OF BURMA / THE HENRY CLAY PEOPLE @ echo

Posted by damara - filed in 18+, echoplex, events

missionofburma

In their first go-round in the early 1980s, Mission of Burma were equal parts innovation and perspiration. Their muscular post-punk was groundbreaking, but it also had a workman-like quality. Maybe that’s what made them unique– Roger Miller, Clint Conley, and Peter Prescott always had their noses to the grindstone even when they were being visionary. Since reforming in 2002, Burma haven’t been nearly as pioneering. But their hard-toiling side has not only persisted, it has expanded to fill in the gap.

Of their three post-reunion albums so far, The Sound the Speed the Light sounds the most industrious, the most like another day at the office. There’s nothing surprising here, and some songs are so signature-styled you might wonder if you’ve heard them before. But when it comes to office work, Burma’s day beats most bands’ years. So the lack of surprise also means a lack of flaws, and a lot of energy and power. When these guys punch the clock, they take the phrase literally.

So yet another Burma album hits the ground running, this time with “1,2,3 Partyy!”, a seriously fun song about how funny it is that someone would take partying seriously. That energy spills into “Possession”, which swings between weight-lifting pound and a wistful chorus, with lots of Miller guitar grit in between. Later, Conley’s bass melodies and half-spoken lyrics turn “Forget Yourself” into a thoughtful semi-ballad. By time the anthemic “SSL 83″ carries the record to its halfway point, it’s been six straight unimpeachable tunes, forming an album side that rivals any Burma album side. – Pitchfork

with:
The Henry Clay People || Listen || Watch

SHOW HAS MOVED TO ECHO
Tickets purchased for the Mission of Burma & Henry Clay People at Echoplex will still be honored at the door