Feral Children

Some records are a pleasant slow burn, revealing their top notes and strengths after multiple listens and gradual absorption. That’s all well and good, but it’s pretty fucking awesome when you uncork a record and it simply opens up and mercilessly head butts you. Such is the case with aptly named locals Feral Children, whose stunning new release, Second to the Last Frontier, wastes no time asserting itself with a rash of lucid vocal shrieks and intriguing instrumental stutters. Even more impressive is the fact that this is no one-sided rant: just when you think you understand their method of attack, they uncover softer, humanist components to their voice, empathizing with broken, small-town characters and surreal beasts of unknown origin. This is a fascinating, beautifully narrated work that will undoubtedly be heralded as one of 2007’s best local releases. With the Trucks and Police Teeth.
Thu., Oct. 4, 9 p.m., 2007