People Noise is the product of Zeke Buck and Matt Johnsony. Zeke, formerly of VHS or Beta, and Matt formerly of Boom Bip. They both left their respective bands feeling limited inside the structure of what the bands were doing. They wanted to be more free with their music, to make music that is distinctly human rather than man machine drenched in synthesizers and mechanical rhythms. As much as I love electronic things, I have to admit that sometimes enough is enough and I have to listen to something else, like folk, pop, or even *gasp* acoustic ballads! So I can only imagine what it was like to work on extremely technical mechanical riffs for 10 years.
People Noise’s debut album “Ordinary Ghosts” definitely delivers upon its promise to be more human. While Zeke Buck offers up spectacular guitar riffs as always he also proves he has some startlingly good vocal chops as well. I was surprised to learn that he was a well known opera singer in his youth, until he hit puberty. It was said that he trained with a blind blues musician to regain his confidence in his vocal ability, and regain it he did. His piercing vocals cut through the walls of guitar sound with an envelope of soothing reverb. For Zeke to strike off on his own without his fellow VHS or Beta band mates, this release sounds very fully formed and at times it has the feel of some of VHS or Beta’s more atmospheric tunes minus the dance beats, which I don’t mind at all. The rock beats allow Zeke’s guitar to roar to life in a way that they never could in a 4 by 4 stomp. Also the lack of pressure to make dance music also allows for some sensitive ballads that never would have been possible with VHS or Beta. “Turn Around” features some beautiful cascading synth and modestly triumphant guitar melodies that makes it a mellow favorite of mine. Another favorite of mine is the urgent “Harrison Bergeron” that makes use of soaring guitar lines and the seemingly endless amount of effects pedals that Zeke Buck employs.
Long story short, if you’re looking for some pyrotechnic guitar work with a heart and soul, give People Noise a shot, you won’t be disappointed.
MP3 – Turn Around – People Noise
MP3 – Harrison Bergeron – People Noise
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