Blowoff - Blowoff

Genre dance Publisher Full Frequency Music External Links Official Blowoff Website Official Full Frequency Music Website

You may notice that Bob Mould is one half of Blowoff, which may illicit lurid memories of Hüsker Dü, Sugar, and his solo output, and you run out to purchase this new project of his. But wait! I must warn you that your fond memories will most likely crash and burn after one listen to this "pop/dance" (their words, not mine) debut. You may want to dance to the album...or rather, on top of it.

If you haven't been following Mould's career like that girl you stalked in high school, then you may not have known that he has slowly delved into the electronic and dance realm. Blowoff is a natural progression of his interest, but this time he's teamed with dance club spinner and producer Richard Morel. The resulting product is a disappointing collection of similar beats only outdone by a complete lack of punch.

The best song on the record is the first one, "Hormone Love." That song is the only one to live up to what your ideal Mould is all about, the angry strumming acoustic guitars, the young angst, the melody. Unfortunately, the rest of the album sounds like a couple of old guys futzing with knobs to mimic the growing club scene.

At this time in his career, and on his fourth different venture, Mould can do whatever the hell he wants. His place in music history is already solidified, so why bother trying something new? It's that drive that all great artists have that continues to have them believe in something new, something different, rather than resting on their laurels. Perhaps this opens up a new chapter for Mould, or maybe it's only a whimsical experiment until he falls back into a singer/songwriter groove.

Blowoff may only be a starting point, but it's a weak and uninspiring one, a disappointing kick off to a new idea by one of the cornerstones of today's alternative music.