Heavily-distorted Fender guitars with the obligatory amp feedback–check. A layered, piercing synth sound, drenched in layers of haunting, spectral vocals and what can only be described as variations on the sound of white noise–affirmative. Though Los Angeles’ HEALTH might bill themselves as a(nother) noise rock band, it’s a moniker that could also prove that the band is selling themselves short: instead of copy-catting today’s trends, HEALTH digs deep into the abyss of often-overlooked pioneers from the days of yore. And while they have the dexterity to harken back to the beats of D.C. pioneers Fugazi and maybe a touch of Sonic Youth, they still aren’t above embracing the dance sounds of today’s latest and greatest in dance and hip-hop, the chaotic chords of The Mars Volta, or even the 8-bit blips and beeps of your old Nintendo Entertainment System.
Though their sound is indisputably their own, it’s also one which may seem abrasive and possibly absurd at times–which only adds to the charm. HEALTH is at once part David Lynch soundtrack and also perfect background noise for a social gathering (though it sometimes depends on how creepy you want that wine-and-cheese party to be). And for the record, drummer Jupiter Keys sounds at times like he could keep up in a jam with Neil Peart– and he also helps cover guitar duties! Quite the bunch of talented fellows. HEALTH’s new album, Get Color, proves they can simultaneously be noisy, melodic, and neurotic on a spanning, diverse canvas of sound. Apparently there’s a reason why they were at the very top of many critics’ lists in 2008.
Words by Jeff Nau
