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World/Inferno Friendship Society

Red-Eyed Soul
2006
Chunksaah

World/Inferno Friendship Society - Red-Eyed Soul (Cover Artwork)

Review by: primeevil7
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Published on July 21st 2006

If there is a term for this record it would "Han Solo-ish".

Han's charm has been discussed the world over, from Kevin J. Anderson to Kevin Smith and it's that sense of charm that permeates the World/Inferno Friendship Society's Red Eyed Soul.

Like the famed Corellian smuggler, the World/Inferno Friendship Society has its own distinct swagger, from jumping rooftops in "Me V. Angry Mob" or petty larceny in the aptly titled "Let's Steal Everything" ("you never saw a thing and I was never there..."), but, like the Coreillan smuggler, it also knows how to dissappear before the authorities arrive ("So Long to the Circus").

The entirety of the Speak of Brave Men EP is here, apparently untouched, so if you've got it already, then there's 12 new cuts to appease you with. If, like me, you're new to the Society, then you won't notice.

If like me, you've never heard the Society before, this CD is fucking weird. The truth is, Red-Eyed Soul is what would happen if an anarchist punk rock band played with the cabaret from "Moulin Rouge." There's pianos, saxophones, violins, trumpets, cellos, keyboards, trombones and accordions, oh my! It sounds crazy. It sounds nutty. And it works. For 15 songs, it works, and how.

The first track, "Brother of the Mayor of Bridgewater" (and obvious single, if this group was ever to get any airplay) represents the crazy, crazy musical heights this group can achieve, and one listen will instantly convert you to a believer, or as the fans call themselves, Infernites. Is it a pop song? A swing song? A punk song? Who cares?

And while there's no song on the CD that's as immediately "end of year mixtape / tell all your friends for the next 3 months" worthy, within 2 listens, the disc has its hooks in you, and it ain't letting go.

Red-Eyed Soul, and by extension, the World/Inferno Friendship Society doesn't just defy categorization, it spits in its face. For lack of a better term, "circus music" and the group's own description, a "punk rock orchestra" will have to do. It goes without saying then, that Red-Eyed Soul isn't going to sit well as something to follow a diet of more straightforward music (say, right after No Trigger and Ignite), but listened to on its own, I found myself smiling, tapping my toes and singing along, or least making my best attempt to sing along, even though I can barely hold a key.

There has been talk of "a bold artistic statement" from our community. Red-Eyed Soul is it. It's memorable, it's anthemic, it questions and it rips at the beliefs that we base our society on. If you're looking for something different, important and fun (all at the same time), then I can think of no CD that fits the bill as well as Red-Eyed Soul.

Highly recommended.

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Posted by thebiglebowski on 2007-06-09 11:26:27

Really good record

Posted by GlassPipeMurder on 2007-02-01 00:04:33

it's called cabaret you silly goons.

Posted by tittytwisterbudy on 2006-12-24 17:13:37
My Score:

this band is amazing good as well as this album. im glad theyre finally getting the recognition they deserve after all these years.

Posted by ClashMan412 on 2006-10-05 17:39:17
My Score:

this is the best band that i have ever heard imiagine gogol bordello but way better, i dont even know what to call this band i just know that its the best thing that i have ever heard. i my self would say its kind of like a big band, ska cult of anarchists, i got one of there other albums (just the best party) and now ive got east coast super sound of punk in the mail i cant wait. do youself a favor go buy this album

Posted by Osloboditelj on 2006-09-12 13:50:04
My Score:

Album of the year. Nothing else I've heard yet compares.

Posted by notfeelingcreative on 2006-08-08 14:00:40
My Score:

Couldn't find this until today, but damn it was worth the wait!!! Great stuff!

Posted by ahoitherr on 2006-07-31 08:36:06

I'm going to admit that I am biased. I love this band. Ever since I saw them play with the Subhumans, I've been a fan.

All that aside, musically this is a great album and possibly the best album of 2006. I have gone on record saying that before and fear not saying it again. I have listened to this album several times through and still love it. The band themselves make great music and I can see them gaining fame very shortly (especially with Brother of the Mayor of Bridgewater as a single). If you like this album, I suggest that you get Just The Best Party by them. It's got some other great songs like Zen and the Art of Destroying Everything In This Room.

P.S. If you think the music is weird, try interviewing these guys. I interviewed Jack (vox) and Franz (accordian) and it was an experiance I won't soon forget.

Posted by Frankff on 2006-07-25 13:03:42
My Score:

I had never heard of this band before and the review made it quite intriguing so i checked them out : surprisingly enjoyable and catchy tunes they have there, with a nice replayability potential. I ordered the record.

Posted by fritobandito on 2006-07-24 22:49:19
My Score:

SO goddamn good. wow.

Posted by AcidPolice on 2006-07-24 22:46:50
My Score:

Great fucking album. Super catchy.

Posted by Anonymous on Monday, July 24, 2006 at 11:38 AM (EDT)

I never really listened to this band, but I like the songs on their myspace. I don't usually like horns, but this is pretty good.

Couldn't agree more about "This is Satire". So far, my favourite album of the year.

Posted by Vincent_M on 2006-07-24 08:47:16

""this is satire" is the most underrated album put out so far thsi year"

I agree with that, minus the spelling.

Posted by Anonymous on Monday, July 24, 2006 at 8:09 AM (EDT)

great, but get JUST THE BEST PARTY

Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, July 23, 2006 at 10:21 PM (EDT)

"this is satire" is the most underrated album put out so far thsi year

Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, July 23, 2006 at 7:07 PM (EDT)

album of the year

Posted by Keith19 on 2006-07-23 18:05:25
My Score:

Eh. It's decent I guess.

Posted by youwinalemon on 2006-07-23 16:16:52
My Score:

I'm digging what I'm hearing. I was a bit wary, as I usually don't dig what the Punknews hype machine backs (e.g. I'm not THAT into the Bouncing Souls), but this is quality.

However, the above score is for The Hold Steady, whose keyboardist is in this band's ranks as well.

Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, July 22, 2006 at 9:56 PM (EDT)

its coming out on BANKSHOT! Records http://www.myspace.com/bankshotrecords

Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, July 22, 2006 at 9:34 PM (EDT)

"Vinyl comes out next week. Double-LP with three unreleased tracks."

on chunksaah too?

wyzo

Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, July 22, 2006 at 4:49 PM (EDT)

doesnt sound like ted leo at all

Posted by darkstarm on 2006-07-22 16:28:03

Who wants to see these guys tour with Black Hearts Procession? I know I do.

Great! band.

Posted by ElVaquero on 2006-07-22 15:45:59

whatever, greedo shot first

Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, July 22, 2006 at 7:38 AM (EDT)

Its ted leo with more instruments

Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, July 22, 2006 at 4:19 AM (EDT)

Ha, Kevin J Anderson in a review. Awesome.

I just missed seeing them, kind of bummed, but I've seen them before

Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, July 22, 2006 at 1:42 AM (EDT)
My Score:

great band

Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, July 22, 2006 at 1:04 AM (EDT)

This music sounds like Cirque Du Soleil hired a punk rock band to play their shows, instead of their regular weird music.

I've only checked out a couple of their songs so far, but they definitely sound like they are worth getting into.

Posted by almostpunkenough on 2006-07-22 00:15:15

holy fucking crap this is good. and so goddamn happy.

Posted by TheYoungInfluential on 2006-07-21 23:49:20
My Score:

I love this album.
R.I.P. Jack's appendix

Posted by Anonymous on Friday, July 21, 2006 at 7:31 PM (EDT)

annie the imaginary lawyer probably has the best sing along chorus ever

Posted by chickswithdicks on 2006-07-21 19:05:46
My Score:

i guess i don't get it? perhaps i'll try again.

Posted by DenBez on 2006-07-21 18:32:34
My Score:

amazing

Posted by sickboi on 2006-07-21 16:39:20
My Score:

Score is for if Nick Nolte had been cast as Han Solo.

"Ahhhh hell Chewbaaaca. Ahhh, god damn droids..."

Posted by tylerdurden8136 on 2006-07-21 16:35:19
My Score:

As soon as I read the line If there is a term for this record it would "Han Solo-ish," I knew I had to get this album.

Can't wait to hear it, and we need more Star Wars themed reviews.

Han Solo > Kirk.

Scores for the scruffy looking nerf herder.

Posted by Dante3000 on 2006-07-21 16:19:26

stza stabbed the singers appendix with a machete while they were dueling. now thats hardcore.
I actually asked him about that in an interview (going up in abour three weeks) and his answer was priceless, quite tounge in cheek and I'm sure (seeing his persona) he would be quite public about it, if that's how it happened.
-Dante

Posted by Anonymous on Friday, July 21, 2006 at 3:55 PM (EDT)

stza stabbed the singers appendix with a machete while they were dueling. now thats hardcore.

Posted by Anonymous on Friday, July 21, 2006 at 3:51 PM (EDT)

Vinyl comes out next week. Double-LP with three unreleased tracks.

Posted by Anonymous on Friday, July 21, 2006 at 3:11 PM (EDT)

Halloween 2000 - in a raw studio space in Brooklyn - the World Inferno is rocking out, everyone is having an insane time - and then it happens. One of the walls of the place suddenly opens up and the entire band rolls outside to play in the middle of the street. fireworks from the rooftop of the space. the crowd pours out onto the street, the cops roll by, and they cant do a damn thing.

possibly the best show i've ever seen.

Posted by Anonymous on Friday, July 21, 2006 at 2:25 PM (EDT)

it's fun live while drunk, but don't know about on record

Posted by Anonymous on Friday, July 21, 2006 at 2:24 PM (EDT)

"But then again I think that everything that bands like Minor Threat sucked. Looks like I'm not "Punk Rawk""

yeah, guess not

Posted by Anonymous on Friday, July 21, 2006 at 1:34 PM (EDT)
My Score:

WIFS = Sexy. You can't deny sexy.

I thought this album was solid. But then again I think that everything that bands like Minor Threat sucked. Looks like I'm not "Punk Rawk"

Posted by Anonymous on Friday, July 21, 2006 at 1:23 PM (EDT)

Probably a good live show and they do have a few decent party tunes, but I'm not feeling this as having much repeat listenability. Some of these songs go above and beyond annoying 3rd wave ska bands.

Posted by Anonymous on Friday, July 21, 2006 at 1:01 PM (EDT)

This cd is nothing short of outstanding. The songs are catchy without being slef-indulgent, and the level of musicianship of this band is well above compenant. For those who are new to them, its a chance you should take.

Posted by Anonymous on Friday, July 21, 2006 at 12:33 PM (EDT)
My Score:

best record all year and probably the best live act you will ever see in your life!

Posted by Dante3000 on 2006-07-21 12:00:21

I've been into World/Inferno for a little while and so I wasn't quite sure what to expect. I mean I love them but this album is almost twice as long as ECSSPOT so I figured there would be some lag in it. And YES some songs aren't as fast and insane as "let's steal everything" but there isn't a single throw aways song on this album. 15 amazing songs from start to finish.
-Dante
P.S. I'll see your "Brother of the Mayor of Bridgewater" for the single and raise you "Me V. Angry Mob" or "So Long to The Circus" (still one of the best closers ever).

Posted by baseball on 2006-07-21 11:51:26

can't find this thing anywhere, luckily i'm seeing them the 25th in DC so i can grab it then

EASILY one of the top 3 live bands i've ever seen

if you have the chance go to the show then GO, you'll become a believer

Posted by pastepunk on 2006-07-21 10:02:58

Does this mean I ruined his career as a secret CIA operative?

Posted by kirbypuckett on 2006-07-21 09:12:55

I hope Brian realizes that lies make baby Jesus cry.

...but Brian's jewish and he doesn't believe in freedom.

- Kirby

Posted by Anonymous on Friday, July 21, 2006 at 9:11 AM (EDT)
My Score:

Scores for this album and Sticks and Stones...both truly great and underrated band.

Posted by sickboi on 2006-07-21 09:08:31

Damn Jordo, you just sold him out. And Primeevil has been around for a minute...

Posted by Anonymous on Friday, July 21, 2006 at 9:02 AM (EDT)

these guys are the most overrated band next to golgol bordello

fuck them. so bad.

Posted by primeevil7 on 2006-07-21 08:52:41

Jordan, you spoiled the fun!

I would have said no, there never was a James...and then I'd change my first name to Jay, go to the East Coast and get into organized crime...

Posted by pastepunk on 2006-07-21 08:46:13

Also, I take it primeevil is James from pastepunk, right? Cause if not there's some plagarism going on

--- Yes, James originally wrote this review for Pastepunk. The version here has been edited and expanded a little bit. James also did an interview with WI/FS and that will be posted on Pastepunk over the weekend...

Posted by sickboi on 2006-07-21 08:43:07

Posted by inagreendase on 2006-07-18 00:24:16

TO PRE-EMPT QUESTIONS: The Bronx review goes up Friday.
________________________________________________

I hope Brian realizes that lies make baby Jesus cry.

Posted by ramo on 2006-07-21 08:17:00

W/IFS always shows up around NYC but I never gotten a chance to see them live. However, after listening to "Red-Eyed Soul" I'm curious to see how their live show is like. A really great album. Probably one of my favorites for the year.

Ramo

Posted by almostpunkenough on 2006-07-21 06:45:15

ok, i'll finally check these dudes out.

Posted by Anonymous on Friday, July 21, 2006 at 5:40 AM (EDT)
My Score:

i've heard great great things about the live show. This is pure music joy.

wyzo

Posted by Anonymous on Friday, July 21, 2006 at 5:25 AM (EDT)
My Score:

album of the year

hell heres a top 3

1. red eyed soul
2. gold record
3. goodbye cool world

Posted by TheOtherSteveJones on 2006-07-21 04:57:38
My Score:

Ive only heard a few songs but it sounds great. Its awesome to see some people doing something so different. I just ordered it online.

Posted by leifkills on 2006-07-21 03:55:10
My Score:

Possibly one of the best, happiest, all around rockingest cds I have ever heard. It is literally astounding. Give it a listen or not, I love it.

Posted by Anonymous on Friday, July 21, 2006 at 3:23 AM (EDT)

Where's the _____ review?

Posted by kill_fftl on 2006-07-21 02:46:12
My Score:

awesome fucking cd would be perfect if they didnt put mayor of bridgewater in everyfucking release

Posted by Vincent_M on 2006-07-21 02:00:39

Also, I take it primeevil is James from pastepunk, right? Cause if not there's some plagarism going on.

Posted by niveK82 on 2006-07-21 01:56:27
My Score:

Currently 3 on my list for the year

Posted by Vincent_M on 2006-07-21 01:55:39

I see them on the 26th, YESSSSS

Posted by theOneTrueBill on 2006-07-21 01:45:01

Brian promised a Bronx review

Posted by Scootz_McNasty on 2006-07-21 01:12:39

this is happy music. i like it. "Fiend in Wien" kinda makes me think of a cleaner-sounding Cougars.

Posted by Cheesetits on 2006-07-21 01:04:54

I'm trying to get into this.......but I just can't do it.

Posted by Anonymous on Friday, July 21, 2006 at 1:01 AM (EDT)

James T. Kirk > Han Solo

-nerd

Posted by Mute98 on 2006-07-21 00:25:54
My Score:

great great great band and cd

Posted by Anonymous on Friday, July 21, 2006 at 12:22 AM (EDT)
My Score:

These guys arent even that punk

Posted by kingofsuck on 2006-07-21 00:19:18
My Score:

Score's for Han Solo.