The Eternals
(DeSoto)
2000
Two-thirds of this Chicago trio played in Trenchmouth, whose angular attack was heavily influenced by DC-circa 1988 (Fugazi, Ulysses), so it is fitting that DC’s Desoto label has issued this debut from Damon Locks and Wayne Montana’s new band. Gone are slashing guitars, inflated are hovering strands of keyboards and viscous dub. In a stark and urban setting, Locks reels off talk/chants indicative of heavy absorption of Mark Stewart’s Pop Group vocals and Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry’s Black Ark creations. Rhythm percolates magnificently throughout ---drummer Dan Fliegel recently worked with Brazilian agit-popper Tom Ze--- and on “Stirring Up Weather”, as Locks intones “ Maybe someday I’ll open the door and let the world rush in” it sounds like Fliegel already has. Montana’s thick bass prepares a nest for synthesizers that crash like the spiritual kin of Allen Ravenstine’s Ubu meltdowns.
While the sonic agenda is clearly organized, The Eternals lacks an equally compelling lyrical plan beyond its’ expression of inner frustration. “I love the city” goes the opening “Billions of People”, “but I hate the city that suppresses the soul”. “Belwilderness” declares “Something is stealing us, are you feeling this?” and titles like “Phase 3 (Of A Never Ending Transformation)” and “The Beginning and the End” indicate the trio is twisted with a kind of fever even they can’t define. Locks senses as much in “Feverous Times”: “Bodies drop from long fever/music’s like a charm so I survive”. And this record survives on the strength of its’ atmospheric and musical charms, which are a darkly invigorating combination. Despite the unresolved turmoil, The Eternals is a very promising beginning.
Washington City Paper, 2000
