High Tension Wires

Midnight Cashier

[4/5]

On their sophomore release, Texas’ High Tension Wires mix an early-punk vibe (think fun, energetic greats the Dickies and Vibrators) with a more lo-fi garage-y feel (adding to this aspect are the somewhat fuzzed-out vocals of the Riverboat Gamblers’ Mike Wiebe and well-placed organs). The cornerstone of High Tension Wires appears to be fast-paced, upbeat punk which, for a modern-day comparison, could be likened to the Briefs (the fabulous “They Fall Apart”; the insanely frenetic gem “Wax Lips And Blood On The Telephone”). Also thrown in are the darker, ’60s garage-drenched “Not Enough For Me” and “Outsider,” which has a very (I’m) Stranded-era Saints feel. Also in this intriguing vein are slower, more serious numbers like the ominous “The Strange One” and “Hallowed Ground.” The closer of this impeccable record, “Glasses For The Blind,” though speedy, still has an intoxicating somberness. (DIRTNAP) Janelle Jones