I was really excited about this disc and now that it is finally in my hands all I can say is that Northern Liberties are one of the most unique and forward thinking acts around these days. Building on a foundation of so many varied influences that touch on rock, punk, indie, goth, dark grunge and a slew of other different genres these guys are at the top of their game on their sophomore disc “Secret Revolution”. While their last album, “Erode and Disappear” already had many of these elements, “Secret Revolution” expands on everything ten-fold with songs that are even more out than then ever before. They’ve got a sound that still loosely reminds me at times of Butthole Surfers’ “Independent Worm Saloon” mixed with a little Black Sabbath a pinch of Christian Death with all kinds of other influences going on. It’s just impossible to pin them down at any moment and with so much variety in song-writing here it could be easy for things to get clumsy and sloppy but Northern Liberties never let that happen for an instant. There is no guitar present but the bass-work is outstanding and since it has to pick up the slack of guitar there’s all kinds of awesome stuff going on with the playing style from organic, clean rhythms to distorted riffs and freak-outs that completely kick ass. The drumming is tight and Justin Duerr’s voice perfectly suits their sound with his off-beat and unique range that can stretch from shouts, to spoken word and very interesting singing with some effects used to make things really out there and psychedelic. As for the songs themselves, it would be impossible to describe them here as each song is so different than the one preceding it that it would take a 4 page essay to write all of the details out although each one is a stand-out as far as I’m concerned. ?”Auto Pilot” rocks hard with heavy riffs that reminded me instantly of Black Sabbath only a bit quirkier but the feel is there and the pissed off vocals during the chorus really add some extra punch. “Beyond Beyond” is another really unique song that ranges from spaced rock complete with acoustic bass guitar and soft, eerie vocals before exploding into crazed indie, stoner punk that rocks and grooves with an excellent bass riff and rock solid rhythms. Then there is the one, two punch of “Monument” and “Love Dove” the records two most powerful tracks. “Monument” begins with an intense spoken word segment that for whatever reason reminds me of Rozz Williams type stuff and then once again the song erupts into a frenzy of electrifying riffs that are heavy on the punk and rock n’ roll influence with an undeniable groove that you won’t be getting out of your head anytime soon and the song is immediately followed by the catchiest song on the album “Love Dove”. This song is just so catchy and unique that I can’t even get over it. It’s got upbeat acoustic bass guitars and another show-stopping riff that sounds so simple but it is absolutely perfect. The song reminds me of so many different things, hell even some type of odd grunge and Justin’s vocals once again remind me ever so slightly of Rozz Williams at times especially when he delivers the line “God is hanged to love”. I really don’t know what else to say about this record. This is something entirely different and they really have carved a niche that is all their own. There’s also some bonus material here including a live song and some other extras. The disc is topped off by another top-notch layout including the kind of cool artwork I have come to expect on all of their releases. I highly recommend this record as this is something truly unique and original and a record that is so damn well written that these guys better get some serious attention for their efforts!
-reviewed by JS