Mr Russia Teething

• XOXO
• It's True
• Skipping Hearts
• The New Standard
• Sneaking Cigarettes
• 'flow'
• Pretty Girls
• Wild World
• Damage
• Harding's Tale

Some bands draw from punk; others from post-punk. Chicago’s Mr. Russia borrow from both genres on their debut. Where lead singer Ivan Russia’s half-spoken outbursts recall any number of spiky-haired Los Angeles bands from decades ago, bassist R.L. Russia’s fuzzy, nasal tones bring to mind the lead bass lines of artier outfits like Joy Division or Magazine. Pensive sound runs in sharp contrast to the lyrics on Teething, which veer closer to the aggressive sexual come-ons that are hallmarks of bands like the Virgins or Kings of Leon. The band gets to pay tribute to its roots and solidify its lyrical thrust with a cover of “Pretty Girls,” originally done by Australian post-punkers the Birthday Party.

Abstract by Tony Sclafani