Sometimes the scene in this city can be a bit isolating. I’m the first to admit my affinity for indie-pop and all things folk, but sometimes, you just want to rock the fuck out. Thank god, then, for the Estranged.

“Statue In a Room” wastes nothing in its 4:30 run time, opening with lonely warped guitar sprawl before cascading into a rush of drums and enough low end to move bodies in any basement. Taking cues from one of my favorite bands of all-time, Boston’s agit-punkers Mission of Burma, “Statue In a Room” would have sounded right at home on the Signals, Calls, and Marches EP. It’s all boiled up tension and constant movement; even when it slows down for a crusty solo it’s just so singer and guitarist Mark can catch his breath. You won’t find any wasted space in any of the their songs, no wanky guitar breaks or a superfluous keyboard line—just the sound of three musicians in a small room absolutely playing the shit out of their instruments.

The Estranged has a lengthy history in the Portland hardcore scene, playing in numerous punk bands including the immortal Remains of the Day. The dudes just released a new 7-inch and are supposedly working on a debut full-length entitled Static Thoughts, set for an April release on Seattle’s Dirtnap label (former home of the gone-but-never-forgotten Exploding Hearts). If you ever have a chance to catch the Estranged in some dirty basement, take my word for it: You won’t be disappointed.

Download audio file (statue.mp3)

Links:
EstrangedSpace

photo courtesy of the band