steering clear of the mainstream
since 2001

june 2010

review
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info opinion

The Evaporators

"Ripple Rock" CD

Mint Records / Nardwuar the Human Serviette Records

Genres: indie rock, rock

Mint Records
PO Box 3613
Vancouver BC
V6B 3Y6

May 10 - 16 2004

The Evaporators are wild, they're funny, and they love to rock.  Led by Canadian crazyman Nardwuar the Human Serviette, they've put together Ripple Rock, a jam-packed collection of songs and interviews.  The topics are diversely twisted ("Addicted to Cheese," "I Feel Like a Fat Frustrated Fuck,") but the band's sense of pop infectiousness and rock energy are what propel this disc forward.

While "I.D.N.M.F.T.T.M.W.F.A.," The Evaporators' signature tune [or something like that], is definitely the best track on here, there's also a number of other songs that will get rock fans salivating on their bibs.  "Salad Bar," for example, is pure gold - its infectious chorus should get just about anyone singing along.  "Addicted to Cheese" is another inspired romp - its upbeat, spectacular melody should be bottled and sold.

The only qualms one might have with Ripple Rock will relate to its adrenaline level.  This entire disc is energetic, romping rock - a good thing at first, but something that can become exhausting over the duration of this entire disc.  Even the short interludes of Nardwuar's joke interviews (with Rahzel and Snoop Doggy Dogg) can't release the enormous tension (or intension?) this album provokes.  As such, it will require some pretty rock-comfortable ears to take this whole record in.

Ripple Rock is a funny, explosive album.  Evaporators fans will doubtlessly be pleased.  As for those unacquainted with Nadwuar's sound, I'll put it this way: if you like to rock, you'll definitely dig this.

86%

Fun Fact: This disc comes with some neat computer content, including Nardwuar's interviews with Jello Biafra, Mikhail Gorbachev, Dan Quayle, Jean Chretien, and a shocker with preacher/healer Ernest Angley.  Also included are desktop wallpapers and three music videos.

Matt Shimmer

[Vitals: 23 tracks + videos, distributed by the label, released 2004]