If the title of this new ep from Tom X. Chao suggests that this is just a collection of incidental music or showtunes that only make sense in the appropriate setting, then you couldn’t be more wrong. Chao has had a presence in that part of the theatre world that could be described as off-off-Broadway for many years, and perhaps it is because he is so far away from the comfort zones and traditions of theatreland that his music pushes against more alternative pop and underground indie scenes.
The result? Broadway indie? Theatrical power pop? The sort of thing that sits between the piano-driven humour of Randy Newman and the more out there, art-rock of say Zappa, the quirk of XTC, and the avant-gardening of a band like DEVO.
“Cannot Be Denied” has a new wave groove; raw guitars and keyboards ebbing and flowing behind lyrics that are wonderfully accessible yet, when listened to properly, reveal some stark imagery. And once you have a measure for these bleak words of wisdom, “Lower Your Standards,” an anthem for “settling” and “anti-ambition,” seems to follow naturally; its trumpet-voluntary ending seemingly a celebration of such measured pursuits as if it were a missive from a monarch!
“Culture Jamming!” (Love Theme from The Negative Energy Field)” is a stream of consciousness meets wry observation of modern times before things round off with “Woman, I’m an Asshole” and its subdued, soul-orchestra sonics, dark and understated, the sound of relationship honesty falling down the well of nihilism.
Music for Downtown Theater is a strange and yet satisfying collection of songs. Part theatre, part underground pop, a place where artistry and honesty are both turned up to maximum, a place where both feel unrestrained and actually living up to the fullest extent of their definitions.
I don’t know where it sits on the musical map, but we need more of this sort of thing.
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