Itchy-O

Burn the Navigator (2014)

John Gentile

Referencing Itchy—O, a Punknews commentor once stated "What's punk about this?" And in a way, that commentor was right. Viewing punk rock as a set of musical patterns, or even as a set ideology with an acceptable range of views, Itchy—O isn't punk in the slightest. But, viewing Itchy—O under the earliest definitions of punk— that is, music that is energetic, experimental, and weird as hell, Itchy—O is about as punk rock as it gets.

A 32—piece "marching band," Itchy—O stomps out what can best be described as instrumental, space—rock stadium music. Opener "Orange Dev" sets the tone for the release. As laser and siren sound effects scream in the background, the band smashes out percussive heavy patterns. Borrowing effects from Hawkwind and Stomp!, the band sometimes sounds like a post—apocalyptic mardi gras and at others, a demented carnival.

Wisely, they plot a varied course. While "Orange Dev" is the template, the band strives for other textures. "Garden of Igigi"conjures images of ancient Persia, and in a ways, shares a kinship with the modern—druidism of bands like OM and Trouble. But, this is also where the band becomes dangerous. Just as a sort of trance vibe is set, the band tears it away with an aggressive, near screeching synth and them actual, distorted screaming.

The band plays with these tools throughout the release. Sometimes, a warped, gritty bass buzzes in the background while demonic voices whispers horrors on the periphery. At others, like on Nerfatata, the band creates a storm of what it probably sounds like from the inside of a crashing spaceship. By the end, they bring it full circle devolving back into pure tribal stomping and rhythm.

What makes this music most interesting is that it can serve as energetic background music, fading into a series of alternating rhythms, or it can be used as art to be minutely studied. Though the broader bass and drums take precedent, there are all manner of things hiding in the cracks between the two. Just like the earliest punk (proto—punk?) bands, such as Suicide, the Magits, or the Electric Eels, you can't pin this kind of music down. You can only wrestle with it.