Street Horrrsing  (Audio CD) 
by Fuck Buttons

Street Horrrsing, the debut record from the Bristol-based duo Fuck Buttons, is not easy—or even intermediate—listening. It's controlled noise, composed primarily of cranked, droning fuzz, wandering songs and heavily distorted vocals that sound disembodied, like a horde of angry poltergeists. But, as with other purveyors of contained chaos like Mogwai or (at their most adventurous) Deerhunter, Fuck Buttons take great care to bury melodies just close enough to the surface for us to manage a foothold in the swirling clamor. And while this is intensely serious music, the record isn't too haughty for bouts of whimsy; "Bright Tomorrow" opens with a dance club beat that feels alien, only to be incorporated back into the whole by the cacophonous finale. Throughout, the use of rhythm works to Horrrsing's advantage, as tribal drums are used to punch up both dark moments ("Okay Let's Talk About Magic") and lighter ones ("Colours Move"). Listening to Fuck Buttons is like drowning—you start off struggling, but then resignation comes. In the end, you drift into the unknown, smiling contentedly. --Matthew Cooke