[4/5] Like a DIY flashback, circa 1980, the four Leeds punks in ¡Forward, Russia! touch all the bases-from forming their own label to making ideological shout-outs to Stalin and Einstein in their oblique lyrics. And sure, a guitarist named Whiskas and numbered song titles that signify their creation sounds a bit arch. But the true genius of ¡FR! lies not in daft punctuation but deft punk elation, an energetic melding of the arty emotion of At The Drive-In with a distinctly British avant-angularity. The newer tracks ("Nineteen," "Eighteen") vibrate with intensity and beauty, while the band's debut single, "Nine," is an explosive mission statement driven by Tom Woodhead's impassioned vocals which sprint from calm to cacophony in a heartbeat. Push past the pretension and get up against this Wall. (MUTE) Erick Haight
 Official Website: http://www.mute.com
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