Double Extra Large
Chicago-based four-piece and self-proclaimed 'Trog-rockers' Double Extra Large(XXL) release their self-titled debut album. XXL consist of Charlie O'Neill, Jack Fahey, Billy Goode and Gabe Bostick. XXL's Bandcamp reads: 'Recorded in Charlie's basement in Chicago, IL.'
The raw-and-rough-around-the-edges trail that XXL traverse is as old as the handbook of indie rock itself, but the XXL twist is as refreshing as any. Thick, peg-legged and jangly jaunts of uncertain disposition pick at the fabric of life's situation. The guitars question their way forwards. Is it this way? Is it that way? On the scent of many inquisitive quirks, there's got to be more to life out there somewhere. That being said, the guitar work across the project is nothing short of stellar. Inquisitively quirky is an apt description by my estimations.
Opening on the repeated chug of "Self-Portrait" XXL set the stage. A certain slacker ethos, mindset, mode of being is performed and more than likely lived through.
'Running out of time, maybe I just didn't know enough'. Human sentiments. As if knowing enough will save you, the thought runs around your psyche. Time will have you thinking that it'll keep you safe. Snuggle up to that which will hang you out to dry each and every time. The carrot on a stick towards your eventual demise. The curtain call edges closer every day. Heard it all before, there's nothing much that can make me shift this gaze.
My favourite track of the project takes the form of "Bored In California". Life's no fun when you're not dumb, pretty and blonde in California. Taking the backseat is the only way forwards. Chill the fuck out and let life decide for you. Waste your life on shitty tans and getting screwed. Hit the home-run.
XXL tip-toe the fine line between clunky and intricate. There's a weird space smack-bang-burgered in the buns of outright idiocy and undoubtable genius. Right in the middle of stupid-smart and egregiously fucking dumb, the balancing act of fine margins. Some of the best bands of all-time have tightrope-walked these exact same lines: Nirvana, Pavement, Ween, Primus, the list goes on. If we're going to name out bands we may as well throw out another. The given-up feel of a Dinosaur Jr. comes across throughout the album, on penultimate track "Door" especially. A slacker love affair. An apathetic conveying of a sense of seeking connection. A sluggish charge towards ones needs.
'I don't like the words I say when I don't say them.' From my lips they seem fine, but from yours? Hell no. Who on earth put those thoughts in your head? They're goddamn demented. Removed from one's words we catch a glimpse at what we're actually saying, doing, being. A degree of separation every now and then serves as medicine to the human state. A moment of reflection mends a sore mind.
Super stuff from the XXL camp.
