Rockbites: The Butchies release third LP, '3'

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April 2001 • Rockbites Alternative Daily

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The Butchies release third LP, '3'
23 April 2001

From a certain, and very valid, perspective I don’t have a right to review the new album, '3,' by North Carolina lesbopunks The Butchies because it’s an inherently lesbian-centric album and (as a hetero male) I have not lived that life.
    From a slightly more generous perspective, hey: I haven’t lived anyone else’s life, hetero, homo, or otherwise; so why not presume to review this record just like I do any other? As different as two people can get, there is a core commonality in the human experience, and this album touches me. I like the album, I want to review it, and that is my perspective. Cool?
    For their third album, The Butchies (vocalist/guitarist Kaia Wilson and drummer Melissa York, both previously in Team Dresch; plus Alison Martlew on bass) have created a set of songs that, if anything, is not easy listening. The production often features a stark and unnatural-sounding lack of reverb on the vocals and guitars—an unusual rock production choice. It puts the music right in your face and gives it an intimate but small sound.
    On top of the difficult production, 3 is remarkably intricate. The multi-layered song structures remind me of Frank Black’s music in their complexity: you simply cannot understand what you’re listening to until you’ve heard it several times. No, The Butchies don’t sound a bit like The Catholics; that’s not what I’m saying. But both are challenging, complex, and ultimately very rewarding. That’s what I’m saying.
    Then there are The Butchies’ lyrics, which are strikingly simple and brutally personal. And Kaia’s delivery simply sears with its vivid honesty.

      All her friends gathered ’round
      As all her enemies ran
      They told her 'You look like a boy'
      'Deliver the savior, girl'
      12 years old
      Will she look to the sky
      To see the stars spinning circles
      And the moon falling towards her?
      ...
      It’s the devil in their souls
      That brings them to commit these crimes
      It’s not about me, it’s not about me

Punk music isn’t supposed to make you cry, is it? Damn, this is a very sad record, even if every measure is pregnant with hope and defiance.
    Although I can’t speculate as to whether or not the parallel I perceive between the production values and the social content on 3 is intentional, it seems that both demand to be viewed on their own terms. There’s a prickliness to the vocal delivery and mix that seems to say “No, this is not about soothing your ears or about convincing you that lesbopunk is ready for the mainstream.” Political and social change are not comfy pursuits, and 3 is not a comfy record. But it has become part of how I will define and remember 2001, hetero male that I am. Four bites out of five.

Rockbites ratings  5: life changing, 4: stunning, 3: captivating, 2: amusing, 1: annoying.

The Butchies start the west coast leg of their spring US tour tonight in Seattle. For all shows they are opening for, and serving as backing band for, Indigo Girl Amy Ray on a solo tour supporting her new album. Here are the dates

April
23 - Seattle (Showbox)
24 - Portland (Crystal Ballroom)
25 - Eugene (The WOW Hall)
27-28 - San Francisco (Slim’s)
| The Butchies | | The Butchies on Mr. Lady | | Team Dresch | | article on Mr. Lady Records | | discography | | CD | | top of page |

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