The UV Race
The UV Race
TREVOR BLOCK reviews The UV Race’s self-titled debut album in real time.
Over the past year or so, The UV Race have matured into a band that can withstand scrutiny, but they are still best dealt with in the here and now, like a flaming Sambuca shot spilt on your arm. Seeing them live will probably always be the best medium to experience their unique take on the past 30 years or so of music. But lo and behold, they’ve got their shit together and recorded an album to see you through the downtime between shows. To keep the spirit of spontaneity intact, I’ve reviewed this album in real time, getting the right words down in no longer than the 24 odd minutes it takes for the tracks to play.
‘Society Made Me Selfish’
Shortest thing on here at 55 seconds. A basic three chorder with a pouty snarl that seems at odds with the UVR’s usual sunny disposition. Has a whole chorus and verse of stuttering.
‘I Go Blank Deep’
It’s an odd sort of love song until you realise it’s probably actually about obsession. Contains the first evidence of keyboard usage on the album, but the guitar break is the key here.
‘Am I In Love’
I seem to recall this one as a bit of a live highlight, with its oddly jerky tempo. If you don’t like simple repetitive lyrics over simple repetitive music, then this is probably where the album will start to grate.
‘Set Sail To Fail’
Great title, great bass intro. Mikey Young’s production manages to fit in the sax while keeping everything clear – even Marcus’ often shouted and hard to decipher speak/singing style shines through.
‘Gore Orphanage’
This actually sounds almost poppy; a bouncy tune about, er, arson at an orphanage. It’s based on an urban legend told to the band by their American buddy Greg.
‘All The Things I Do’
Oh, of course, this has been sequenced for vinyl, so you save one of the best tracks for the end of side one. Another awesomely fucked-up guitar break, but this one goes for a decent length of time.
‘Make You Strain’
And by the same logic, this is meant to open side two. Rattles along with much yelling of “insane-uh” and “brain-uh”. Classic.
‘Stare Into The Whole'
Wow, is that an acoustic guitar strumming in the background here? Passive aggressive nihilism – has a bit of a downer feel to it.
‘Meet Me Under The Clocks’
One of the Race’s party songs, based on memories of arriving at Flinders Street Station to meet up with friends for a weekend of gigs in the city. I didn’t suspect any of the band had goth tendencies, but there you go.
‘Driving In Our Car’
This is a bit of a personal fave, maybe because it’s relatively subdued and makes for a good change of pace. As Marcus says in his explanatory liner notes: “This song is about hanging out in your car with your mates, going for a drive, not sure where you are driving to. Having fun with your friends in a car coz there is something exciting about not knowing where you’re driving to. As long you have good friends then you know it’s going to be a fun trip.”
‘Dog Tired’
Ah, yes, I can relate to this one. Another highlight of the live set, it’s almost like two songs stuck together. Bass player Moses sometimes seems to be playing something only he can hear. But it gets wired and it works.
‘The UV Know’
Fake religious prophecy was always on the cards for these guys, what with their sun obsession and private language and all. Mostly instrumental, held together by the drums and some studio effects. It really spazzes out by the end.
Done. No encores here.
+
The UV Race is out now on Aarght! Records.
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UV RACE
UV RACE
UV RACE
I'm sold.
best band in the cosmos!
Such a great album and band!
Agreed, Kits!
I can't wait it's in the mail.. best band at flip out!
Straight outta Warrigal
Best.
Am I In Love is a great song, keen to hear this LP pronto!
overrated
nah, mate.
Astute observation, Pex.
Please note that I emailed Mr. Block these songs, so the track listing he got is a messandnoise exclusive, or yousendit fuckup.
I prefer to think of it as an exclusive.
I had to look it up:
astute
–adjective
1. of keen penetration or discernment; sagacious: an astute analysis.
2. clever; cunning; ingenious; shrewd: an astute merchandising program; an astute manipulation of facts.
I'd personally go for #2, first option ;)
all joking aside, been hearing a lot of good things about these guys, played the album quite a few times and find it boring in most places. just because the band sounds like something that sounded good back in 1975 it doesn't make them good as well...
Oh Pex we are playing music that we like it's ok if you don't like it. We feel that this kind of music is sick and all the modern stuff is dance/electronic music and I personally don't take pingers so I can't get into it. Do you have a band if so i want to hear what break through stuff your doing ? from Marcus
Marcus, no offense, it was just my opinion. I guess I expected too much, as everyone was telling me how great UV Race are. Yes, I make music too, but won't highjack this topic to plug my stuff - it's pretty easy to find it though...
more bands should rip off stuff that sounded good in 1975 as oppsed to bands today, who mostly rip off stuff that never sounded good in the first place
i'd hazard a guess that listening to the recorded output is better after seeing a show, dunno what means in the scheme of life, but it is what it is and lets put it behind us and party.
i fully endorse this product and/or service
i think marcus is a frontman that comes along very rarely, and the band matches that
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i have a busy schedule. I actually can't lock in things coz i need to spend more time in Warragul. Going from Warragul to the city every weekend messes me up a bit. I need a bit of a routine. From Marcus
the boobs are boobs you know. It doesn't matter who they belong to it matters that the uv race got boobs on the front cover of the album whoooo. Some guys chest is on the back from Marcus
I GO BLANK WHEN I FINGER YOU
You forget that I know who you are, kingsterer.
I GO BLANK WHEN I EMAIL YOU
Triple R Presents - THE UV RACE ALBUM LAUNCH!
Saturday 14th November at The Ding Dong Lounge
THE UV RACE
ROYAL HEADACHE (SYD)
DEAF WISH
BREAKER MORANT
Spinning mad party jams 'til late:
DJ UV RACE + DJ PEOPLE + BRAIN CHILDREN DJ's
Presale tickets available from: Ding Dong and from Missing Link soon
the cds have come back from the presser looking almost as good as the lps. both formats will be available to buy on the launch night. go bunta!
the repress is on beer soaked yellow vinyl
fucking great album
What's the new 7'' like?
The new 7'' is great! Fetaures two creepy-crawly post-punkers, one tune more in the style of their first 7'' and one with Marcus's smoothest vocal performance yet. There's more space between the guitar and bass parts and there are some truely sick lyrics. My favourite thing they've done to date. A+ band.
Cheers nic.
I have to hear this.
is there aus release or only us? supposed to be out in the states in the next couple weeks, for the tour
I saw a copy in Missing Link on Sunday and stupidly didn't buy it. I really don't know what was going through my head.
I think Repressed Records in Sydney will have copies son, just checking now.
http://www.myspace.com/uvrace
Have a listen to garbage in my heart.... brilliant.
*son = soon. Shaun is not my son.
Yep, the UV Race 7'' is now in the mail. Will be in stock at Repressed Records Thursday or Friday.
I hear Marcus met Keanu Reeves in NYC.
The mind boggles.