The Von Zippers--The Crime Is Now
Estrus/Alien Snatch 2003
There is a perception amongst some folks that maturity is a bad thing--the ruination of all worthwhile creativity. That isn't necessarily always the case, though. Take the Von Zippers, for instance. This Canadian blitzkrieg squad first rose to fame as snotty smartasses, taking the stage adorned in German war regalia whilst pumping out their relentless garage rock n' roll--definitely great, but still kind of gimmicky. Their new album The Crime Is Now adds such incredible depth to the killer stuff they've always done musically, the abrupt turn of corner leaves one excitedly wondering just what the hell has happened to these guys.
Sonically, the Von Zippers brand of garage punk is very much rock n' roll minded. Think something along the lines of the Mullens for point of comparison. The Crime is Now comes off very straightforward with an unfabricated sense of power. The Von Zippers are head and shoulders above most of the pack, just as they've always been.
The thing that separates The Crime Is Now from the band's past work, and makes this platter an instant all-time classic of the genre, is its intelligently crafted lyrics. Far from the out-of-ass ranting most pseudo intellects today perceive as effective communication, these words are thoughtfully put together with great care. Subject-wise, they are very political and pro-socialism, with many indictments of a corrupt mass media unwilling and unable to cover its biases. As such, it is recommended to consume this album as a whole. For those who simply want to rock out, you'll be able to appreciate the band getting their na-na's out on "Blue Suit Bullies" or the cool midpoint time signature shifts of the harmonica infused closer "Friday Is The Spice Of Life." That's fine, and a really cool thing, but the Von Zippers have created something here worthy of much more than a passing glance.
If the Von Zippers can evolve gracefully and successfully, why do so many other bands fail at it? Simply put, they aren't as special as these folks. The Crime Is Now undoubtedly begs for masterpiece status. For its blueprint of showing greater possibilites within the confines of the garage rock form, this is essential listening--regardless of whether you agree with its politics or not.
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