Trans Am walks the same line between substance and style that its namesake car model did in its heyday. Often considered the leading light of the ’90s post-rock scene, the Maryland-based trio switches between big, loud rawk riffing and spacey, experimental ambience, sometimes within the same song. Trans Am gleans imagery and sounds from the synth- and vocoder-heavy music of decades past, but also informs its songs with a detached, millennial indie attitude. The group shifts gears from album to album, and this intellectual restlessness continues with the atmospheric, trippy Thing (Thrill Jockey). The LP should appeal both to new-school stoner-metal fans and the hippie oldheads at the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, where Trans Am will be playing a free show on August 18. Nathan Means will also be guest editing magnetmagazine.com all week. Read our Q&A with the band.
Means: I am a strong believer that the state has an obligation to assist its citizens. I believe in free public healthcare, the welfare system, some form of rent control, free public tertiary education and some sort of state pension. However, where I draw the line is a state-funded stipend for rock bands. If you have all the previously mentioned advantages, all you need to do is work two nights a week and you’ll be fine. Some countries do have a specific state-sponsored income for musicians. It is hard for me to imagine the decision-making process of state employees in determining which bands do and don’t deserve this money. If your band isn’t making any money, there’s probably a reason. I think this also stunts the growth of local music scenes. See: France.
Video after the jump.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V5ZEzWwKJnY
