Nots freak up punk rock with Manic and the Depressives and Tight Genes (Will's Pub)

THIS LITTLE UNDERGROUND 
Writing about punk rock can sometimes get a little rote. There are only so many adjectives available to split the microscopic hairs that result from an infinite amount of retreads at combing an often narrow swath of music. But Goner Records upcomers Nots (July 13, Will’s Pub) evade many of the genre’s typical molds and, in so doing, reinvigorate the form.
The fearsome foursome from Memphis blisters with a full-frontal punk attack. A lot of bands would’ve and have settled there, and these intent ladies could’ve and been perfectly respectable. But their impact is more than just basic gut immediacy. Their pounding abandon peels your face, but their dark electronic tones and atmosphere linger, adding penetration to the punishment. It’s music that’s as aimed at the head as it is the viscera, a freaky psych-punk vision that distinguishes Nots in a very crowded class.
Effectively furthering the psychotic tenor was Orlando trio Manic and the Depressives. As their mental name suggests, their brand of punk rock is a straight dose of raging neurosis. It’s a tightly wound assault that’s all nerves and fury, like an impressively concentrated breakdown. And it’s one of the more distinctive punk sounds rising from our streets.
With some heady and crazed atmospherics of their own, Orlando punks Tight Genes rounded out the strong all-local support cast with another solid blast of their snotty, heat-seeking juggle of humor and venom.
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This Little Underground is Orlando Weekly's music column providing perspective, live reviews and news on the city's music scene.

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