CD Review: Rebuilding the Rights of Statues - Cut Off!

This seven track EP is an interesting beast. It reminds me of the 1980's and at times of The Cure and Bauhaus, but it is a sound that I cannot put a firm finger on. I chalk that up to my lake of exposure to this brand of indie rock. Rebuilding the Rights of Statues, or Re-TROS for short, have been influenced by bands like Gang of Four, Interpol, and Joy Division. All three are bands that I have no experience with. However, when the CD arrived unannounced on my doorstep, I have to admit to being a bit curious. I cannot claim to really like it, but it is interesting enough to be getting multiple spins.

Re-TROS is a three piece export from China, where it is very difficult to practice the art of indie rock. Think about that, a band that is attempting to be anti-establishment within a communist state. That alone is worth giving them a little bit of credit for attempting this artistic path. Whatever they write, lyrically, needs to be submitted to the government in order to be approved for recording and distribution. Talk about putting a damper on your ability to create anything critical. They are able to circumvent some of these issues by composing in English. The lyrics are then translated into Chinese for government inspection. This allows for certain changes to be made in the way things are worded, to change the actual intent. For example, I have read that the song title "TV Show (Hang the Police)" was translated as "The Police are Laughing."

As for the music, it is quirky, sparsely arranged, and at times quite weird. The album is marked with open chords, groovy bass lines, and solid drumming. It is something I am having trouble putting into context. It is not exactly my kind of music, but the sound is kind of alluring, especially during the quirkier moments.

Cut Off! opens with "Die in 1997." It is a slow, dark and gloomy entry and featuring a riff that reminds me of a popular 70's song that I cannot remember. I like the atmosphere built by the music, but the vocals kind of pushed me away. It is followed by a stronger song in "A Death-Bed Song," which has a gloomy groove that was easy to slip into. The pace is picked up a bit with the livelier "Boys in Cage."

The EP peaks with the fourth track, a song called "If the Monkey Becomes (to be) the King." Quite frankly, I like this song because it is flat out weird. Leading the bizarre charge is guitarist/vocalist Hua Dong with his squawked vocals and open strumming. He is backed by the lilting voice and smooth bass line of Liu Min and the drumming of Ma Hui.

"TV Show (Hang the Police)" follows the "Monkey" song with a sound that is a little more traditional, but still pretty interesting. It has a pretty rocking groove to it, with a repeating drum and guitar progression. Following that is "Laugh from the Time" and closes with "A Vision of Christ."

Bottomline. Again, not to belabor it, but this is not exactly my cup of tea, but it was interesting enough that I didn't want to let it go by without offering some words from an outsider. It is a pretty good album, definitely different from my usual fare. I am not sure that I would go out of my way to find more from them, but I would likely see them live if given the chance. There is a palpable energy seething beneath the crisp production veneer that seems ready to explode onto a stage.

Mildly Recommended.