TENSOR – “NAD”
Tensor is a band that is phun- it’s like when the rappers use the word “phat,” I think these guys are “phun” and if you have caught them live, like I have, I don’t see how you could come to any other conclusion. You don’t usually see them at tops of bills, they’re happy just to play where needed, but wherever they play they bring a busload of energy and exuberance to their performance. Not slick, not sloppy, no overbearing seriousness- just jumping around, chaotic good phun.
They’re from Amherst MA. All their guitar players are named John. They describe their drummer in what I think is the perfect description of what a drummer does- the guy who bangs on things with sticks. They might first impress you as a hard core band because of their hyperactive energy- there’s hardcore, punk and even surf in there- but I think their style is closer to high energy punk with a bit of English punk influence, especially in the snarling vocals. With their frequently abstract lyrics and short songs they remind, at times, of original English punk band Wire, and if your familiar with that band this is high praise, indeed.
So after seeing them several times TNB was lucky enough to procure their long length CD and it’s as exciting, energetic and “phun” as their shows- let’s check out a few tunes, shall we?
“Fruit Punch” leads off the CD, putting the notion of refreshing back in refreshments, again. It’s a good start with the promise of more to come. It starts with a ricocheting guitar lick leading into an avalanche of drums followed by some fast, frantic forward leaps and bounds by the vocals. Some sideways Sabbath chords slide in at the end of the verse while some yelling response vocals get tossed in like a hand grenade, explosive stuff! Some lyrics: “Try to relate you find/ prescription and majority come easier when sipping in contempt/ Black out/ Face down in your mothers tits/ Mistakes will happen so defer responsibility/ Unhook her bra/ Latch on and take a pull.” Damned if I know what that’s about but sounds interesting to say the least.
[audio:https://www.thrashnbang.com/wp-content/music/01 Fruit Punch.mp3|titles=Fruit Punch]
“Emaciated” leads off with some supersonic jungle drums which the bass joins, bouncing along with the beat. The guitars decide to join the festivities then we’re off into a verse/ rant where the guitars drop out gracefully only to return, menacingly, at the end. “Amphetamines my owner used to feed me his significant/ A deadbeat maintain bladder control/ But I still piss on the floor/ And I love the feel of slipping fingers in mass appeal.”
[audio:https://www.thrashnbang.com/wp-content/music/02 Emaciated.mp3|titles=Emaciated]
“Stop The Vote” starts with ascending chords, then an ascending bass line and then we’re off to a headlong gallop with the guitars rushing against the sides of your speakers with the insistent vocals smack dab in your face. Only to pause once to scream, “Stop it, Riot/ Fucking/ Buy it” followed by “This is a world of wasted youth/ But the problem isn’t just substance abuse/ It’s that nobody gives a fuck,” and then it ends.
[audio:https://www.thrashnbang.com/wp-content/music/03 Stop the Vote.mp3|titles=Stop the Vote]
“Glasspile” starts with a runaway, surf beat, a twirly guitar lick that changes into a grinding, buzz-saw guitar chewing up the scenery with a yelping, snarling vocal tagging along. “Surfing at home/ All alone/ I’m so rich/ Indoor surf pool fun, yea/ Hang ten/ Stunt freak/ Can’t hang on/ head first into a glasspile.” A little breakdown just to catch a breathe before streaking to the finish line.
[audio:https://www.thrashnbang.com/wp-content/music/05 Glasspile.mp3|titles=Glasspile]
A great CD by a great band but not as much “phun” as seeing them live which I highly suggest you do. Tell ’em Slimedog, sent you. And if you don’t find them phun then you must certainly be phoolish.
(Slimedog)
