Repetition pounds rhythms and patterns into the human brain while pulsating through the body. The rejection of complexity by bands like the Intelligence, which relies heavily on simple, grinding beats, guitars, keyboard, bass and exploding drums, represents a reaction against intricate learned music. Rather than meandering schlock, the Intelligence favor lean, angular songs straight to the point and combine raw music with catchy tunes. Intensity and conviction sloshed with simplicity fosters inspiration for new musicians: just look at the Ramones. Still skoffed at in high brow music circles as unintelligent comic book schlock, they empowered more people to pick up guitars or drums or yowling than anyone of the top off my head. Without specific or indoctrinated technical ability, these bands create more engaging rhythms than Eric Clapton could ever hope to pencil out after 10 years studying in a conservatory.
The Intelligence draws heavy influence from the ever present British band the Fall. The Fall have been caterwauling across Britain and the world since the late 70s with the belligerent lyrics, vocal stylings and music of the enigmatic Mark E. Smith. The favorite band of legendary British DJ John Peel, the Fall unrelentlessly assault convention and style simply by persisting and making great records…
This article appears in Dec 3-9, 2008.