Convulse Records
Mississippi experimental rockers MSPAINT make a raucous debut with Post-American, deconstructing American culture and attempting to piece it back together with messages of optimism. Bristling with intent and semi-anarchic energy, Post-American feels suitably apocalyptic.
The group have cultivated a unique sound since their inception, with upbeat hardcore meeting swirling synths and thumping bass lines, all tied together by relentless positivity and lead-vocalist Deedee’s irrepressible energy. The sound resonates from not having a guitarist, a conscious decision Deedee described arising from the group being “sick of playing rock music”. Embracing Hattiesburg’s close-knit DIY music scene, the lack of a guitarist doesn’t hold them back, as Randy Riley (bass), Nick Panella (Synths), and Quinn Mackey (drums) can create quite the din.
But there’s a subtly to their noise, a creativity that stretches beyond the stereotypical confines of hardcore. Their self-titled 2020 EP demonstrated the group’s talents, combining fuzzy basslines and pounding rhythms with Panella’s dexterous synth work and Deedee’s guttural energy. Post-American sees them go bolder, encapsulating the seismic sound of their EP and sharpening it without sounding overly polished. The group is supported by contributions from LA hard-rockers Militarie Gun’s lead vocalist Ian Shelton, who co-produced the record alongside Taylor Young of Twitching Tongues and a cameo by Pierce Jordan of Soul Glo.
Post-American sees the group examining systems, exploring American culture through a realistic lens. Mississippi has long been a republican stronghold, often hitting the news for the wrong reasons, such as last year’s water crisis. Bassist Riley describes it as “the most backward thinking, racist state in America”, but the group try and spread messages of optimism and unity. On the propelling thundercracker that is ‘Acid’, Deedee screams at the chorus: “Selfish fascination/Got to let it, got to let it go”. The hurling urgency of ‘Information’ encourages similar rebellion, with Deedee shouting, “Start to push back/Start to push back”, while reminding you, “your spirit is true”.
Elsewhere things delve between the dystopic and apocalyptic, all enhanced by Panella’s skilful synth work, creating an eerie atmosphere. ‘Decapitated Reality’ lurches along at 100 miles an hour; Deedee’s manic screams and Panella’s siren-like synth create an atmosphere of impending doom. ‘Post-American’ is especially visceral, Deedee shouting about an almost Orwellian world. “Cursed wasteland and the wreckage of man/Broken glass beaches and powerless plants”. The slower ‘Free From The Sun’ is similarly evocative: “Sorting through the pain/Is that dead flower smell”.
The group don’t just deconstruct American culture; Deedee also unpicks his thoughts and emotions. ‘Think It Through’ has Deedee ruminating on past feelings, the song’s title and chorus line serving as a reminder to himself. Deedee’s emotional expression is refreshing: “Wear my heart on my sleeve to remember my truth”, railing against toxic masculinity. The treacle-like sludge of ‘S3’ sees him blocking things out and focusing on what’s important: “Focus on dealing and processing love”. The positivity is perfectly summed up on the electric crackle of ‘Titan of Hope’, where Deedee’s voice is a blade of optimism: “We’re not scared anymore/And that mindset is a titan of hope”.
It’s a blistering listen, but there’s craftsmanship amidst the chaos, with neat tempo changes throughout, Riley providing the consistent rhythm while Panella’s synth drifts in and out skillfully. Existing beyond musical conventions, Post-American is a captivating listen; as angry as it is hopeful, it’s the experimental sound of defiance.