Description
Volcano Suns – Farced – Vinyl Record
SST Records 210
Volcano Suns’ Farced, released in 1988, is the third album by the influential Boston-based post-punk band led by drummer and vocalist Peter Prescott, formerly of Mission of Burma. Known for their mix of raw energy, off-kilter humor, and a knack for balancing noise with melody, Volcano Suns continued to push their sonic boundaries with Farced. The album delivers a chaotic yet cohesive collection of tracks that capture the band’s irreverent spirit and adventurous approach to post-punk and alternative rock.
Farced showcases a band unafraid to experiment, combining abrasive guitar work, propulsive drumming, and Prescott’s distinctive vocal delivery. The album offers moments of both explosive noise and introspective melody, reflecting the diverse influences that shaped their sound.
Track Listing
‘Jak’ – 3:34
A fiery opening track that sets the tone with distorted guitars and driving rhythms.
‘Tree Stomp’ – 4:12
A quirky and angular track that captures the band’s playful side.
‘Promise Me the Moon’ – 5:20
A standout with an anthemic feel, blending raw energy with a melodic undercurrent.
‘I’m Gonna Scorch Ya’ – 3:45
A chaotic and aggressive song, featuring Prescott’s intense vocal delivery.
‘Gulp’ – 4:05
A slower, more atmospheric track that showcases the band’s range.
‘Bite the Wax Tadpole’ – 2:55
A short and frenetic track with a sense of humor typical of the band’s work.
‘You’re So Right’ – 3:58
A guitar-heavy track that balances noise and melody effectively.
‘Room with a View’ – 4:32
A brooding and introspective piece, contrasting with the album’s more frenetic moments.
‘Pave It Over’ – 5:10
A sprawling and experimental closer, ending the album on a dynamic note.
On Farced, Volcano Suns expand on the noisy, unpolished aesthetic that had defined their earlier work, incorporating more melody and structure without sacrificing their edge. The album is characterized by angular guitar riffs, dynamic drumming, and Prescott’s impassioned, slightly off-kilter vocal style. The interplay between the band’s chaotic energy and their ability to craft memorable hooks creates a compelling tension throughout the record.
The production, while raw, captures the band’s live energy, allowing the layered guitars and relentless rhythm section to shine. Fans of bands like Mission of Burma, Hüsker Dü, and The Minutemen will find much to appreciate in Farced.
Farced reflects the band’s irreverent and playful outlook, with a mix of absurd humor and subtle introspection. Songs like “Bite the Wax Tadpole” highlight the band’s knack for eccentric storytelling, while tracks like “Room with a View” and “Promise Me the Moon” delve into more introspective themes, exploring relationships and personal struggles with a sense of raw honesty.
Prescott’s delivery, often teetering between wry sarcasm and earnest passion, amplifies the emotional resonance of the lyrics, adding depth to the album’s more chaotic moments.
Farced received positive reviews from critics who praised the band’s ability to balance noise with melody and their refusal to adhere to conventional post-punk formulas. While Volcano Suns never achieved mainstream success, the album further cemented their status as underground icons and innovators within the post-punk and alternative rock scenes.
Fans of the band often regard Farced as a standout in their catalog, thanks to its adventurous spirit and strong songwriting. The album has since earned a cult following among enthusiasts of 1980s indie and post-punk music.
Farced is a testament to Volcano Suns’ willingness to embrace experimentation and unpredictability, qualities that continue to resonate with fans of boundary-pushing music. The album captures a band at the height of their creativity, blending humor, intensity, and melodic sensibility into a uniquely compelling package.
For those seeking an entry point into the chaotic brilliance of Volcano Suns, Farced serves as a powerful introduction to their distinctive sound and enduring influence in the post-punk landscape. Decades after its release, the album remains a vital snapshot of an era when alternative rock was defined by its defiance of convention and its embrace of unbridled creativity.
