self-released – 02 Oct 2020
Rarely is cultural criticism so much fun.
Launch Control continue to provide their fiery, slightly over-dramatic (but in a good way) brand of criticism on their new EP Attention Economy. The band, never ones to shy away from socio-political commentary, have found their voice and sound continue to solidify as the world, well, gets shittier and shittier. One could say Humanity’s loss is Launch Control’s gain?
This album feeds off of the continuing despair informed by their native UK, still undergoing the throes of Brexit; to the world in general where a mindset of ignorance and blind obedience to an ideology is starting to become the norm. Attention Economy doesn’t pick as many fights with politics this time around, and leans more heavily into observation about the people that blindly consume media, both legitimate news and whatever flotsam is on social media, without taking a moment for independent thought or critical observation.
Title track “Attention Economy” nails this concept right on the head, but for my money I’m most taken with album closer “Marketing for Martyrs” which, at the most basic, lambasts the monetization of faith and religion. It is top notch and features all of the hallmarks this band is known for.
As I mentioned previous, Launch Control is a very dramatic band. The songs, as always, are well-composed and bassist/lead vocalist Lee Switzer’s vocals have a warble and intonation that I’ve always enjoyed, one that makes you think more of an effective orator who happens to be singing rather than a run-of-the-mill punk vocalist. The tracks are powerful when strength is needed, and subtle when gentleness is required.
Many of the tracks on this album lean heavily on synth keyboards to add a bit of flavor and, on the whole, it’s cool. But it also leads me to my primary criticism: the songs feel a bit too polished. A bit too mechanical. This may be an effect of over-production, and it isn’t a deal-breaker by any means. But I’ve seen this band live and, this may be personal preference, but I hear these songs and I also see myself imagining what they sound like a little bit more raw.
Overall, this is a worthy addition to the Launch Control pantheon of music. Its quality music with thoughtful, talented lyrics and, overall, is a blast to listen to.
the white drew carey (aka – Jeff Sorley) is the founder and head editor of TGEFM. He’s lived (outside of) Chicago, Madison WI, (ugh) Penn State, Lyon FR, Oxford UK, central New Jersey, and now within earshot of SFO in the Bay Area. When not scouring the web for more great bands and labels to post about, he also spends time drawing (mostly) silly sci-fi and anime stuff under the name Asplenia Studios.
