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The latest release from the Psalters is a bit perplexing.  The band has always produced provocative music, mixing eastern rhythms, politics, and religion.  Though they would say that their politics arise out of their religious convictions.

This new release however is on a blank CD, with packing that includes a dollar bill.  No label.  And no info on their web site about this new release.  The main gist of the disc seems to be social justice, with the theme being that the U.S. and its allies are somehow responsible for most of the suffering in the world via sanctions, etc.  Now there may be some merit to this argument, but when Christianity and politics are mixed, one better be pretty sure that their Christianity is informing their politics, rather than the other way around.

Musically, there is little here that fits into the category of "things with melody."  There is a lot of noise and sampling and screaming, and the like, but I'm sure the Psalters would say that is part of the point.  They would probably also say that I don't "get it."  I think I DO "get it."  I just don't happen to "like it."  Smacks of a bit of pretension to me, with the argument being, "It's Art!"  Oh well, you lost me on this one.

Ken Mueller 8/5/02