Backwoods Payback - Future Slum

Early on, when I first moved to the States, I got to witness the magic of Backwoods Payback from Pennsylvania, and I fell in love with them immediately. Back then their lead-heavy punk-tinted rock was the mesmerizing focal point, however, the mainstay of Mike Cummings (vocals/guitar) and Jessica Baker (bass guitar) has weathered many storms since then but always come out on top, all while gradually shifting, evolving and upping the ante beautifully in the process. Studio album number five, 'Future Slum' is a great testament to this.
Having switched to the trio-format on the previous full-length, ‘Fire Not Reason’, when drummer Erik Larson joined the fold, the wonderful three-piece are laying down the law with ‘Future Slum’. Never holding back the band sings of social problems, relationship issues and political wrong-doings which in today’s world is more screwed up than ever. Backwoods Payback hones in on this with frighteningly vivid clarity and that’s one big part of their greatness. What is also striking is the variety in the music on hand and how wonderfully connected the different pieces are. Which is another part of Backwoods Payback’s genius. Personally, this is best displayed in 6 brilliant songs which all stand out and that’s no mean feat since ‘Future Slum’ is fantastic in its entirety.
‘Pirate Smile’ is a no holds barred heavy the way only Backwoods Payback can play. And with Mike’s desperate, in-your-face vocals telling it like it is, this is an excellent opener. ‘Lines’ starts out with a groove that the band should trademark. It’s kind of mid-tempo in the verses only to build up to solar explosions in the choruses as well as towards the end. Reminds me in parts of Therapy’s ‘Lunacy Booth’ and that’s a great accolade in my book. ‘Whatever’ is kind of dejected, weaving back and forth between the emotions on hand. Ferocious in parts, slower and reflective in parts. Mlny Parsonz from Royal Thunder guests wonderfully on vocals.
‘Cinderella’ is slow, meandering and haunting. Soft tribal-like drumming and a thumping hypnotic bass line backs Mike’s bleak and dejected vocals and some sinister guitar playing. It’s Backwoods Payback of the old going full tilt on ‘Generals’ where they leave no stone unturned. A social commentary at its most poignant. ‘Big Enough’ is grunge revisited and to me an ode to move away, or at least cut bad influences out, and start over since life as you know it brings you down badly.
Backwoods Payback never cease to amaze me and that certainly hasn’t changed with ‘Future Slum’. On the contrary actually. The changes album to album might be subtle but they do enough to move the band forward with each release. And as much as that is refreshing for the listener, I’m sure the band members themselves love to push the boundaries further. So, dear waveriders, this album by one of America’s best bands is a given for anyone who loves great music that doesn’t rest on its laurels. Don’t miss on this, you hear!
-Swedebeast
*Band photo courtesy of Justin James Muir