It's Always Something
California's Central Valley hit 95 degrees this weekend. It's the type of hot that almost melts the tires on your cars. And with nothing but fields stretching out into the smog, mirages make the whole thing look like a flithy, sweaty lake. I don't know how Walter Meego bottled that sensation -- especially coming from Chicago -- but that's what I was feeling while driving up for a splash in the Kern River, for sure.
Now, this doesn't mean it's a bad song. Quite the opposite really. I think this band is awesome. I got their cd after only hearing two songs. They're really doing some interesting stuff, blending the dark electronic with the Chicago post rock. It's the type of sound that makes so much sense in today's current scene, but rarely executed this well. They're one of those rock bands that make 12" with extended versions and whatnot. They've really brought that electronic aesthetic straight to the rock scene, and I think that's fantastic. I don't think it's an accident that they've played shows with The Fog and Thunderbirds are Now!. Walter Meego bridges the gap.
They also remind me of the new Gorillaz album. There's some similar textures and production. I think that's a good thing, since I like this sound. I'd be really curious to see this band live. My guess is that it's pretty awesome. It's a rare thing for an electronic band to pull off the live show (like LCD Soundsystem's certified bananas set in Los Angeles last night), I have a hunch that Walter Meego has the chops. Hopefully they'll break out of the midwest soon and touch down in the LA sometime.
Anyway, you can pick up their EP and the Weekday 12" direct from their site. It's definitely worth it, and highly recommended.