Search - Bluetip :: Post Mortem Anthem

Final release by one of the best DC post-punk bands

jonathanroth | Arlington, VA | 01/16/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Bluetip may have been one of the most underrated indie/post-punk bands of the 90's. Most likely, this is due to the perception that their sound is in close proximity to the meathead, alterna-mainstream drivel of the same time frame. This is a huge mistake, since Bluetip consistently backed their Big Rock sound with intelligent songwriting and lyrics. There is perhaps no better proof of this argument than Post Mortem Anthem, a collection of 10 rare or previously unreleased tracks. Songs like "Spooky," "Newport," and "Japan" are smart, tight post-punk songs that just happen to have catchy hooks to drag you in.For those familiar with Bluetip's albums, PMA is also interesting from an evolutionary standpoint. For example, you can hear parts of "Routine Dictates" that eventually ended up on "Don't Punch Your Friend For Being Slow," off of their album Polymer. Although this may make the record more appealing to those who are already fans of Bluetip (as most rare and unreleased collections do), there is certainly enough here to draw in those who are just discovering the band. Oddly enough, this record is more consistent in many ways than Polymer, their final studio full-length. And, as always with Bluetip releases, contains no drivel."