PASSAFIST Passafist R.E.X. [3 "Records"/Stars]
Syndicate Magazine
May 1994, Volume 9, Issue 1
© 1994 Syndicate Publications, Inc.
Pages 34-35
Passafist, pairing ex-Chagall Guevara members Lynn Nichols and Dave Perkins, features the anger associated with industrial combined with a strong pop sensibility. Unlike many modern practitioners of the industrial genre--who don't have a working knowledge of rock history--Passafist is able to present this music as modern extension of rock `n' roll, instead of coming off as mere novelty.
Its cover of The Rolling Stone's "Street Fighting Man" acts as a clear exclamation mark for this point. Messing with such a classic is taking a big chance to begin with, but few songs better express the anger of today's so-called Generation X. What else can a poor boy do, but scream in a rock `n' roll band?
This anger is directed mainly at the immorality of modern times. "Lov- e9000" exposes the false hopes presented in television's rash of 900 number sex and psychic phone lines. Look how our society has taken what's personal--such as sexual relationships and the planning of our very futures--and turned them into crass money making ventures.
They also remind us that though the Cold War is over, the danger of nuclear war is still real, and still a frightening thought. In one song, a long sample from the classic nuclear war fantasy/comedy Dr. Strangelove made this listener want to go out and rent this great film just to hear its timeless dialogue once again. In "Christ Of The Nuclear Age," Passafist seems to draw a parallel of how the Savior fits into this scenario.
When these sharp lyrics are set against the backdrop of forceful pounding percussion, and some of the best out-of-control guitar playing I've heard in a long time, one is left when an irresistablely noisy disc of rock `n' roll pleasure.
Dan MacIntosh
