ABQ Arts
July 2006
Music writers are fond of comparing the sounds they hear to tunes they have previously encountered. It is a convenient shortcut when attempting to conjure up suitable descriptions for any musical outfit. Most great bands defy this type of tagging, as they offer up the familier with the strange in an appealing mixture. Albuquerque's Weapons of Mass Destruction does just that in a fashion unlike any other band currently on the scene.
Singer/pianist/songwriter William John and guitarist/songwriter Terry Burch, with their large frames and expressionless mugs, strike an imposing presence on stage. Expectations of abrasive noise accompanied by angry growls are quickly subverted when lush melodies start rolling out of the speakers. John's endearingly awkward falsetto transforms from a shy mumble to a plaintive wail as the music builds momentum until it culminates in a resounding climax.
Weapons of Mass Destruction have been playing the club scene in Albuquerque for a few years years now but has not garnered nearly the amount of attention it deserves. "It's not about 'making it.' It's just about playing music," says Burch. A point of pride for Burch is gaining the endorsement from a former member of indie rock lumineries, Neutral Milk Hotel.
All four members of Weapons(John, Burch, bassist Sean McCullough and drummer/bartender Noelan Ramirez) divide their time playing in multiple bands, which has led to the stunted growth of WMD. However, those who have seen the band do not easily forget them. A delicate piano run, a tight but loose rhthym section and precise yet flowing guitar licks produce an unexpected catchiness that, on repeated listening, burrows into the subconscious. Lyrics of uncanny nonsense present a further poetic gloss to the hypnotic sound. A sign of excellent music is its ability to reveal more of itself upon further exposure and Weapons of Mass Destruction carefully and successfully constructs a blissful osmosis.
Weapons can be spotted at various local clubs, with Burt's Tiki Lounge and The Launchpad being two favorites. Certain band members sometimes partake of the offerings from those particular establishments, adding a delightful unpredictability to the band's performances. The music of Weapons of Mass Destruction combines intellectual engagement with an affecting poignancy. Emo-shmleemo; slow-core, shmlo-core. Forget the labels and check out this band. (Joel Weinberg)