Tonight is a busy night at the Sunset Tavern! Before their later Noise for the Needy show (which we also recommend!), power pop band Indecisive Rhythm will be kicking off the early show at 4PM. This band is self-described as dumpster-pop that has been “offending ears in the Pacific Northwest since 2004 with an honest DIY approach to rock and punk rock,” according to Reverb Nation. Indecisive Rhythm is a trio of musicians fronted by Ms. Rhythm, aka Amy Mustoe, a five year veteran of the local music scene. In accordance with their name, the band has undergone changes since coming into existence, but they are renowned for their tight sound and feverish rhythms exploding from drummer Sean Boil’s drum kit. Ms. Rhythm is the ultimate Beth Ditto-esque front-woman who doesn’t hold back vocally with her sensual purrs and explosive howls. Get to the Sunset early to catch this power pop trio in action! Muldoon and The Allegations also perform. SUZI PRATT (seattleshowgal.com) 6-13-2010
I've said it before and I'll say it again: Indecisive Rhythm should get another name. "Indecisive Rhythm," to me, sounds like a hippie jam band or an outfit specializing in a cappella ska covers, and it horribly undervalues what IR have going on for themselves. They play Pixies-style rock—by which I mean heroically catchy pop rock of the verse-chorus-verse variety—and when they unleash the rock, they can destroy the room and make it look easy. The lead singer, Ms. Rhythm, is my favorite unsigned female vocalist currently playing in Seattle; she can purr and then let loose with an enormous, brassy howl that will make you drop to your knees, pledge allegiance to her band, and forget all about their atrocious name.
PAUL CONSTANT
Indecisive Rhythm is the brainchild of Amy Mustoe, who has been working the Seattle scene for more than five years with various incarnations of her power pop trio. The band’s sound (lovingly referred to as ‘dumpster pop’) has undergone a series of changes over the years, but with its current and longest-standing line-up, IR seems ready to prove itself as one of Seattle’s best performing acts.
IR’s rhythm section erupts from drummer Sean Boil on the double-kick trap kit and bassist Riley (Thunderspiel) holding down the low-end & providing backing vocals. Some of the credit to IR’s current down-low and dirty, but consistently tight sound goes to Seattle producer Steve Jones, who put the band through the ringer on their latest release.
Tales from the Dumpster cuts-to-the-quick on the lead track --‘12/21’ -- an Armageddon-rocker with a heavy jungle beat. Mustoe’s fascination with the Mayan Calendar end-times is prevalent in her lyrical urgency: “Before the demons take me out to hell, I’m gonna party it up until the end of the world.” From there, the record segues from a rough ‘n tough beginning into some very open and personal tracks. ‘Seize the Day’ is the album sleeper, providing a unique contrast in mood and tempo. The mid-album tracks all groove with a lazy cow-punk feel. The rhythm section wisely drops back, allowing Mustoe to really showcase her pipes.
The last song, simply titled ‘The Makeout Song,’ is a quintessential pop-rocker and would have worked just as well as the album opener. But, true to the IR spirit, this ready for radio hit sits at the end of the record, almost just to fuck with you. It’s a pay-off to a thoughtful, well-crafted album. Bring a date to the next show and participate in the mega-make-out-fest when IR busts this baby out. The song, and the band, just may be the next big thing in Seattle. (8/10) -- P. W. Richardson
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Adding a slightly less emotional take on rock 'n' roll is Indecisive Rhythm, a local trio that releases its debut, "Contents Under Pressure," tonight at the Comet (9; $5). Indecisive Rhythm terms itself "Dumpster pop," because it doesn't fit into any category. This genre heading accurately describes the sound, which is about as fuzzy as something you'd find growing in the trash, most likely after several days of 85 degree heat.
Tizzie Asher Seattle PI
"Indecisive Rhythm pulls no punches, and certainly isn't sugar coated for mass appeal/appeasement. That is why you have audiences that jump up to participate and dance and teasingly throw peanuts at you. You guys readily share your boundless energy and zest for fun with us out in the audience with no apologies, or questions asked, and that is a great magnet to generate "real fans."
-Scott Walker
Just might jut out and poke you in the eye, but your ear will be hooked by Indecisive Rhythm
-J.J., booker at the Blue Moon
*****
Partyers head downstairs to see Indecisive Rhythm play a basement set. The three-piece band have a late-'80s, early-'90s punk-pop sound—evoking Pixies without being a Pixies rip-off, and their female lead can shred her voice into a snarl at one moment and coo a Breeders-esque hook the next. I know that I'm making them sound like a retro act or something, but they're timelessly talented, and as of-the-moment as your new favorite band.
Paul Constant - Stranger
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