Taking the unusual step of releasing their EP via memory stick, Pornographic Sunset have, to some extent, offset the increasing difficulty bands have of pitching their art in a world that seems increasingly divorced from the physical. To an extent, this is a shame, as the imagery included with the music files suggests that the band’s heart remains with music as a complete package, but with the cost of album production increasingly less likely to gain a return, it is probable that we’ll see more of this approach in the future. As it is, at least the band have approached the digital release in a thoughtful fashion, branding the memory stick itself and embedding images within the files so that the visual aspect of their craft is not overlooked entirely.
Boasting a disparate array of influences (System of a Down and Sisters of Mercy are rarely seen together in the same sentence, let alone the same influences list), it’s clear from the outset that Pornographic Sunset have no desire to be pigeonholed, either by the media or by fans, and such an approach, in these increasingly compartmentalised times, is as deserving of commendation as it is likely to result in the band falling between the cracks at times. It’s a sad reflection of a challenging environment, but if enough artists focus on music over commerciality, then there’s still hope for change down the line and it’s nice to hear a band who are unafraid to challenge the preconceptions of their audience.
The EP itself, offers four tracks in a mere sixteen minutes. The production sees the instruments rendered with reasonable clarity, although the mastering is either absent or limited, which is a shame as some of the obvious dynamic is lost in favour of a slightly claustrophobic sound that crushes the darker resonance of the bass and the higher frequencies of the guitar.
Opening number, KarmaCrush, gives the impression of a turntable slipping on its drivebelt as the riff cycles, the overall effect recalling the post-punk movement of the early eighties. Nor is the unconventional ambience of the riffing the only connection. The vocals are delivered with a punk sneer pitched somewhere between Pete Shelley and Nick Oliveri, and if things take a bizarre, psychedelic side-step in the song’s latter stages, that only serves to give the darker moments greater weight – as if Genesis were being beaten up by Devo and QOTSA – with the result that the listener finds themselves sucked in by the song’s conclusion. In contrast, the short Skin-Tight is built around a jangly, Dick Dale riff, grounded by Roger Morter’s prowling bass-lines, evoking swirling oil-projection backdrops and Go-Go dancers. The sunny psychedelia makes an unexpected death metal digression all the more horrifying, and you’re left wondering whether the master tapes weren’t subject to a catastrophic mix-up at the studio. Another stylistic shift occurs for the ghoulish Immortal, sounding for all the world like early Suede fed through an At-The-Drive-In blender. Angular and energetic, it’s an instance where the slightly muffled production detracts from the overarching ambition of the music and it only hints at how lively the track is liable to be in the live environment. A varied track, Immortal is not unlike sitting in a room whilst some merry trickster constantly re-tunes the radio, and it’s almost a relief when the twisted lounge of One Reason To believe You Were Right emerges to demonstrate Pornographic Sunset’s love of Faith No More. A relatively straightforward piece that showcases the musical ability at the heart of the band, it’s a strong EP closer and it suggests that a slightly less scattershot approach to composition would pay dividends.
Pornographic Sunset are a band who wilfully toy with convention. Their musical ability allows them to do this in a manner that is fluid, but a touch more restraint would allow for greater emphasis on the various components on offer. As it stands, songs like Immortal run the risk of simply becoming look-at-me exercises in diversity. In contrast, KarmaCrush and One Reason To Believe You Were Right are all the more effective for being atypical, without being outright contrary. A strong debut EP from a band who will bear watching closely in the future, The Bastard Shows His True Colours is a frequently interesting, occasionally frustrating work that suggests that the best is yet to come. 8
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