Martin Rev

Les Nymphes

[3.5/5]

Along with Alan Vega, Martin Rev of New York punks Suicide reinvented the definition of the genre every time he set foot onstage in the mid- to late ’70s. Armed only with Rev’s keyboard and Vega’s snarling vocals, Suicide would be put on when club owners wanted the room cleared by the band’s awkward and polarizing noise. Though often regarded as a “CBGB’s band,” Suicide were worlds apart from the Beach Boys bop of Ramones. While Les Nymphes lacks the aggression of Suicide, it’s no less interesting. Focusing on textures and grooves, this is ultimately an electronica album that many fans of rock music will consider a step into enemy territory. But those with an open mind will appreciate the complexity and challenge of songs like the soaring opener “Sophie Eagle” and the sharp-edged “Triton.” One of music’s true pioneers, it’s a blessing that Martin Rev is still making music. (FILE 13) Brett Callwood