Robert Robert the Record LP reissue
After debuting with a four-song EP of spiky, agitated skronk in 1985, the New Zealand art-punk collective ?FOG rechristened themselves as ROBERT and self-released this LP the following year. It’s a primo exercise in sinister, rhythm-driven FALL-esque (Rowche) rumble, with Lindsay Fog’s grinding bass grooves positioned as the stabilized center against scratchy, razor-twang guitar and dryly caustic vocals—the deranged rockabilly beat and motor-mouthed speak/sing of the killer “Handbreak” is an especially Mark E.-coded pairing. “Godwalks” builds up some serious paranoid tension in just over a minute, with its spiralling bass/drums clang and increasingly unhinged vocals repeating lines like “The funniest jokes are the sickest” and “You burn in hell or you’re bored in heaven” to really drive the point home. SWELL MAPS-like sparks fly in the shambolic, lyrically Dadaist “Meatworks,” and “Scream” reappears from the ?FOG 7”, featuring vocals from Sam Swan of Kiwi DIY all-timers LIFE IN THE FRIDGE EXISTS and a bleak, spin-cycle flail right up there with their better-known ’80s NZ post-punk compatriots the GORDONS and NOCTURNAL PROJECTIONS. Totally wired; another top Bunkerpop reissue job.