Description

Pencil – Strantron – Compact Disc

Pencil’s Strantron, released in 1994 under Grass Records, is an album that embodies the energy and dissonance of early 90s post-hardcore and noise rock. Hailing from Indianapolis, Indiana, Pencil combined gritty guitar riffs with jagged rhythms and intense vocals, making Strantron a distinctive entry in the alternative rock scene of that era. The band drew comparisons to other indie acts known for pushing musical boundaries, like Shellac and Fugazi, blending aggressive rock with math rock’s technicality.

Strantron stands out for its abrasive, angular approach, with songs that often abandon traditional structures in favor of unpredictable rhythms, shifting dynamics, and bursts of discordant melody. The guitars are frequently distorted, contributing to a lo-fi sound that enhances the raw feel of the record. Bass and drums play a significant role in driving the album’s rhythm-heavy style, providing complex undercurrents to Pencil’s unpredictable arrangements.

Each track balances calculated chaos with tight, intricate musicianship, aligning with the math rock style that gained traction during the 90s. Tracks are filled with changes in time signature, tension-building pauses, and rapid shifts from minimalism to full-volume explosions, capturing the band’s penchant for creating an intense and dynamic listening experience.

Key Tracks

‘Pedigree’ – Opening the album with gritty distortion and urgent vocals, ‘Pedigree’ sets the tone with its relentless tempo and structural unpredictability.
‘Arrows’ – This track exemplifies Pencil’s knack for combining angular riffs with a sense of controlled disarray, shifting between aggressive and subdued passages.
‘Cascade’ – A standout with its looping bass lines and jarring guitar interjections, ‘Cascade’ reflects the band’s experimental edge.
‘Integrity’ – One of the album’s heavier tracks, it features pounding drums and dense, layered guitars, highlighting the album’s post-hardcore influence.

Strantron developed a cult following among fans of post-hardcore and noise rock. The album is appreciated for its raw, unpolished style, which resonates with listeners who enjoy the DIY aesthetic and intensity of 90s indie rock. For fans of complex, abrasive rock that combines punk’s energy with experimental structures, Strantron serves as a compelling, if underrated, example of the era’s bold and unfiltered music scene.

Grass Records

Song List
1. Pedigree
2. G.M.C.
3. Arrows
4. Grumbacher
5. Cascade
6. Milbro
7. Kaja
8. Choice
9. Memorandum
10. Integrity
11. Moon
12. Patriot
13. Skillcraft
14. Lovett