One stop in my quest to write at four different places in LA wasn’t enough, so after the thrill of sitting in vagabonds quarters at Union Station wore off; I headed to a calmer atmosphere…Central Library. I thought the array of characters would be fitting for The Burning of Rome’s With Us. See, this album was supposed to be an easy one. Write it off as a Coachella nominee and be done with it, but it wasn’t that simple once things got going. It started to be more and more like my surroundings at this supposed tranquil working space.
A man in the prep stages of extreme couponing right when I turn the corner to find a seat. It’s a little out of place for a library, much like one of The Burning of Rome’s Butthole Surfer remixes, “Cowboys and Cut Cigars.” Most of the rest of the record is like some oddball you’d hear on an indie fest lineup, but this one brings the rock and attitude. So it felt out of place, but there’s one in every bunch….Much like in reality. See the coupon guy reference above…
A lot of the record seemed like music a once club kid who’s now grown up listens to like in another Butthole Surfer Remix “Ballad Of An Onion Sprout.” It has that dance beat to it, but slowed down to the point that it’s not an energetic pounce one does while listening, but more of a casual sway.
The biggest thing to mention about With Us is the creepy feel it gives on in songs like “Norman Bates (Butthole Surfer Remix)” and “Opus For Sleepwalking.” Both give off this disturbing carnival vibe, as if you’re stuck in a sea of clowns with bad intentions, on a merry-go-round heading for disaster. On that note, “Why Can’t I Stop Killing My Friends?” may sound strange, but it’s actually the best track on the record as its nonchalant tone makes for an enjoyable experience.
Out of place, mature crowds and a little spooky. This describes both the Central Library in LA and The Burning of Rome’s With Us. If you like bands like Arcade Fire and Butthole Surfers, then you’re going to want to get With Us.
The Burning of Rome just finished up their stint at LA’s Sunset Music Street Fest and won “Best Alternative” act at the San Diego Music Awards, so they’re a band to note and keep track of.
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