Secretly Canadian's freak anomaly has done it once again. Seeing as to how its label peers are relatively quieter acts,
Racebannon's brash, explosive sound has caused the band to be noticed by not only those familiar with the Bloomington, IN-based label, but the hardcore scene in general. However, that is based on the assumption that their multiple releases on various indie labels (primarily in the 7" form) previous to joining the Secretly Canadian roster hadn't already heralded them to cult-like proportions. Nevertheless,
Racebannon stands on the edge of legendary hardcore status. This isn't due to their brutal vocals or crunchy guitars. In fact, the band seems to lack many of the facets of the traditional hardcore act. Nevertheless, one thing they do retain is the loudness and heaviness. This is primarily due to Dave Brits' impact on the turntables, where he can amplify the performance not through scratching records as much as just adding noise. Here, on their second album for their label, the bandmembers' chance at hardcore history lies in their creativity, their intensity, and most of all their ability to take a concept and capture the listener's attention.
Satan's Kickin' Yr Dick In is actually a five-part rock opera (so to speak) about a man, Rodney, who through a deal with the Devil becomes Rhonda Delight, a world-famous singer and actress. The Devil allows Rodney to have great talent and success, but promises him that he (the Devil) will come back for Rhonda later on. And so this classic "selling your soul to the devil in exchange for talent" tale is weaved as only
Racebannon could spin it. Full of expletives, noise, multiple vocal takes overlapping one another, and the kitchen sink,
Satan's Kickin' Yr Dick In goes well beyond
Racebannon's last full-length,
In the Grips of the Light. The sound and concept are fuller and more consistent, and the idea of creating a rock opera (and one that actually works, too!) is something that few bands could pull off, especially in such a loud, brash manner. Michael Anderson's schizophrenic Pentecostal preacher delivery seals the deal with a passion that few bands bring to the table. Give these guys one or two more full-lengths and put them on the road a good portion of the year and don't be surprised that ten years down the line, hardcore fans will mention
Racebannon in the same breath as
the Locust,
Drive Like Jehu, and
Black Flag as true hardcore visionaries. ~ Kurt Morris