Music Review: Naomi Punk, Television Man

By Less Lee Moore

Those who claim all The Ramones songs sound alike have clearly never listened to Naomi Punk. This trio from Washington has cast their lot with a very limited sonic palette. Each of the tracks on their newest release, Television Man, strain against those limits like fish in a tank that’s too small.

If the inclusion of the word “punk” in the band’s name signifies anything, it’s likely ironic, even though these ten chunks of discord are probably more punk rock than anything you’re likely to hear this year. Perhaps surprisingly, this album is less melodic than their bristly, difficult 2012 album The Feeling. These aren’t so much songs as they are musical seizures, with a sound compression that has nothing to do with digital limitations and everything to do with evoking a kind of muted monotony. This is not background music, despite the song structure and delivery synthesizing into a something like a buzzing insect at the back of your neck. Paying careful attention reveals so much.

Despite the intensely, almost uncomfortably minimalist music, these songs are remarkably soothing; the visceral instrumentation and purity of the vocal harmonies assures that this is so. But if you’re looking for ’60s girl group-inspired, Phil Spector vocals, you’d better stick to The Ramones. Naomi Punk’s lyrics are difficult to decipher or even read on the album’s lyric sheet, but no doubt that is intentional.

The first few songs are remarkably diverse, even by Naomi Punk’s strict yet anarchic standards. It actually isn’t until about halfway through the album, on “Eleven Inches,” that your ability to continue will be challenged. There’s a repetitiveness here that feels almost unbearable. If you can make it past this point, you will be rewarded because “Eon of Pain” is fantastic, no doubt some kind of counterpoint to The Feeling‘s “Eon of Love.” At this point, the whole world opens up, Naomi Punk-style

Upon a first listen, Television Man is an endurance test, but eventually, you will find yourself feeling like its 36 minutes have just flown by. That’s a testament to this band’s amazing ability to frustrate and fulfill expectations about what we like and dislike about music. Naomi Punk is not for everyone but they’re doing something really special. For those curious enough to dive in, there’s plenty of room in that tank to swim.

Television Man was released on August 5 by Captured Tracks.