Die! Die! Die!

Die! Die! Die!

[4/5] Disregarding the useless instrumental opener, Die! Die! Die!’s self-titled debut is a gem, jam-packed with nine tracks of urgent garage- and post-punk coupled with hip-shaking rhythms, beginning with the one-two punch of “Disappear Here” and “Franz (17 Die! Die! Die! Fans Can’t Be Wrong).” But don’t be mistaken-not every song sounds alike. The New Zealand-based trio retain that underlying edgy rock ’n’ roll vibe throughout, but they also switch up the tones of each song. For instance, they slow down the tempo on “Auckland Is Burning” and “‘Out Of The Blue’” without losing any intensity, and add to the frenetic factor with the stomping “Ashtray! Ashtray!” which features a claustrophobic, descent-into-madness feel. Meanwhile, “L.A. Bones,” which starts with spurts of chaotic instrumentation and feral vocals before turning somewhat more placid, is juxtaposed nicely with the ensuing standout “Shyness Will Get You Nowhere,” perhaps the album’s most “serene” number, awash with an indescribable power and beauty. (SAF) Janelle Jones