Everest

Minneapolis post punk trio Arcwelder continue the tradition of such groundbreaking local compatriots as Husker Du and Run Westy Run, with choppy, melody-laden thinking-person's rock. On Everest, their sixth album, brothers Bill and Rob Graber (guitar/vocals and bass, respectively) and pal Scott Macdonald (vocals/drums) create edgy, traumatic aural landscapes with growling axework, driving rhythms, and urgent vocals. Tracks like "Paying Respect" and "I Gave This Up For You" force their way out of the speakers and into your skull with the same energy and fire of past standouts like "Favor" (from 1991's "Jacket Made In Canada") and "Know." (from 1996's "Entropy") Since their inception in 1988, (they began as Tiltawhirl, until the owners of the famed carnival ride of the same monicker sued them) the band has remained true to their original DIY spirit, releasing 7" vinyl 45's, touring extensively with like-minded souls such as The Jesus Lizard, Tar, and Jawbox, and retaining their mysterious day jobs in the Twin Cities. "Everest" displays impressive growth for the group, both musically and lyrically, proving once again that life experience, rather than youth, can sometimes bring us the most powerful rock and roll. ~ Tom Hallett