Gallon Drunk - Some Fool's Mess (Clawfist, 1991)

Based around the singular vision of James Johnston, Gallon Drunk (still trucking today) emerged into the same 'lurching' scene as Th' Faith Healers, Breed and Moonshake. Gallon Drunk had a distinctly more (darkly) showbiz approach, as evidenced by their garish sleeve collages. Their live shows were like some kind of twisted, violent cabaret where the singer seemed to try to sing, play guitar and organ all at the same time, like some kind of Brylcreemed octopus. It was an utterly compelling spectacle though.

'Some Fool's Mess' jump starts with a startling Duane Eddy riff and a drunken, late-night swagger. The band tear into town and lay down a heavy beat, a marracca pulse and a leering, yelping vocal comes in over the sleazy, climbing bass riff. It's a hurtling mass of sound that recalls The Birthday Party's seedy underbelly jive (Johnston was to actually become a Bad Seed for a time during a hiatus in Gallon Drunk activities) or The Shadows after a spell in borstal and a heavy night on cheap speed and nail polish.

As the song progresses, the playing gets more and more urgent, dissolving ultimately into spent clatter as the instruments conk out.

Irresistable.

Download Gallon Drunk 'Some Fool's Mess' (mp3) (Rapidshare)