This is the debut album by Austin post-punk outfit Institute and it showcases raw post-punk sounds at its best! With the tracks dealing with various insecurities the music creates a vivid atmosphere that brings out all manner of feelings and emotions. There is very much an eerie and edgy vibe going on through the album that fuels the massive energy felt from the word go!
'Perpetual Ebb' has all the elements of a classic punk rock tune with elements of Iggy Pop and Rammones in the mix for good measure. There is that great gritty rawness matched with an unnerving energy that makes you feel like you are in the garage watching the band play! 'Cheerlessness' sees the raw atmosphere and raises it with speed and energy and the tune races by with great urgency. 'Untitled' is a short but furious instrumental track with elements of very early Cure. 'Leathernecks' has a massive all encapsulating sound as the loud distorting guitars blast through the speakers and fill the room! 'No billowing wind' has a deep post punk sound reminiscent of Joy Division. The music is deep dark and gloomy with curious duel vocals creating a very unnerving vibe. The album closes with 'Christian Right', an epic 9 minute jam that seems the band experiment with various sounds and styles while maintaining a tight set the whole way through.
This is a fantastic post punk album. Full of dark, moody, and atmospheric tunes the music drags you along through many gritty places.
