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Read More Uh oh. Sounds like someone has a case of the grumpies. Or so I thought, after first listen of Smallcraft, the latest EP from New York power rockers Worst Case Ontario.
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When Chaucer famously articulated that “all good things must come to an end,” he probably didn’t have New York rock bands in mind. Still, this quote seems fitting for today’s review of Worst Case Ontario’s final album Hard Hard Easy Hard Hard. Recently singer Sam Weisberg emailed me with news of the band’s demise, a decision made soon after the release of Smallcraft (2010). While he remains tight-lipped on the specifics of the breakup, Weisberg is excited to promote Hard, calling the 5-song EP his “best work.”
Truth be told, it feels a bit erroneous to label Hard a “rock album.” The opening track “Sick Day” sounds more Mogwai than, say, Judas Priest. Previous efforts like Burning Politelyand Smallcraft—born from the urschleimof noisy rock—defied standard rules of conduct for indie East Coast bands by sheer volume. Hard brings it down a notch. This album is an evolution for the band, no doubt; a venture into post-punk terrain, where fuzzy guitars and brooding vocals replace sphincter-shattering primordial rage. Call it musical anger management. Of course, Weisberg still has a knack for writing downer lyrics. Take “The Girl from PR,” a bitter lament on relationships and troublesome dames: You say ‘sorry I’m so sweaty’ when you hug her tight; she half-smiles and says that’s OK but it’s not. And you tried too hard, you tried way too hard.Or the meditative/melancholy “Little Man” thataddresses every aging rockstar’s biggest dilemma: to “grow up” or go to the bar (I should take it easy / I should take a breath / It’s a gorgeous day / I’ll be at the bar).
Weisberg often paints himself in unflattering shades—the humiliation of losing a girl to a friend—straddling the line between self-pity and self-analysis. At times he’s so matter-of-fact in his delivery that one can’t help speculating whether music writing is less cathartic and moremanagerial (as a way of documenting his thoughts and experiences). Whatever his motives, one thing is clear: this is his outro; a finaleof epic intentions packaged nicely in compact proportions.
So, what’s next for WCO alums? Tim Perzan (drums) and John MacDonald (guitar) currently play in a band called The Archive, while Weisberg has dabbled in projects with The Isles, Giggle the Ozone, and Howell Mooney. Hard is slated for a digital-only release, but Weisberg hopes to produce a physical album onceartwork has been finalized.
For more information or to pre-order a copy of Hard Hard Easy Hard Hard, contact Sam Weisberg at [email protected].
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