The Grifters

The Grifters never reached the heights of Pavement or GBV, but that just means they sound less dated. "Black Fuel Incinerator" was recorded in a parking garage, so that squalling volcano of a guitar that obliterates the song halfway through is real, genuine reverb bending your mind, reminding you that indie rock used to actually rock.

Like pavement and guided by Voices, two more widely heralded indie bands, the Grifters
are low-fi explorers enchanted with pop but also in love with the cathartic possibilities of
white noise. And so what? There are a billion bands out there who fit that description,
disciples of the pre-Lollapalooza holy trinity of Sonic Youth, Hüsker Dü and Dinosaur Jr.
But after an awkward debut album and a more promising 1993 disc, One Sock Mis... More >