This new release by The Need was much anticipated by myself, and other rabid Need fans. Though I had hoped the 10" would be an EP, this single was still well worth the wait. The Need have combined their talents with long time Washington scenester Joe Preston (of Melvins fame) and DJ Zena. The result is unexpected and unforgettable.
Those familiar with The Need's live performances were surprised to hear the additional organ on the Outpunk single and self-titled Chainsaw CD, but this single takes it even further with layers of analog synth, samples, drum machine and psychedelic effects, as well as bass and even record scratching. For those unfamiliar, The Need perform with naught but a guitar (equipped with a distortion pedal) and a set of stand-up drums.
The first side, "Vaselina," is a haunting and uncharacteristically sad song which is truly unlike anything they've done before. It's a masterful piece of pop song craftsmanship, probably the closest they'd come to a ballad, being a down-tempo rock number -- but with all the interesting changes in tempo you'd expect from The Need. This song is thick with psychedelic Moog sounds, bass and lusciously effected backing vocals, all sadly missing in their recent live performances. There's an odd little vocal sample throughout which is really compelling as well. Rachel's voice, though always fascinatingly challenging, is truly beautiful in "Vaselina," replete with artful effects. The combination of her vocals with Radio's sexy sad minor key guitar riff, especially on the bridge/chorus at the end, is just heartbreaking. I could listen to this song all day long.
"Talk Potty" starts off with a brash organ line that's pretty typical Rachel fare; kinda retro sounding, wild, humorous and somewhat obnoxious. Then Radio comes in on the chorus with a guitar meoldy that's pure Americana: that Western 60's surf style that I've come to associate with someone like Chris Issak. After two each of those parts, the song breaks down into a meandering slow jam of simply drums, guitar and Moogy analog synth until it unexpectedly metamorphoses into a trippy techno thing at the end with distorted drum machine beats, synth, scratching and samples. Though this song is more fun-fare, the lyrics still belie a sadness, or a sense of desolation, brought to a head with the ending sample, "There's something wrong. Look out!"
Overall this single is a delicious tease which has certainly whetted my appetite for more, more, more of The Need and their ever-evolving brand of tasty dyke rock treats. I can hardly wait to see what they can come up with for the next full-length release, though, at the rate they're going, it certainly could be awhile yet. Perhaps they'll release a single of their tight little version of "American Woman" they did this tour?
-- by Anji