Your Majesty

This 1994 release from New York’s Your Majesty is an interesting, experimental mix of noise rock with some lo-fi tendencies. Independently released on the Double Deuce label, Jive Shucker moves with an antisocial momentum that betrays a paranoia and resentment that almost leaps from the speakers. Vocalist/guitarist Chris Lauterbach, drummer Michel Adi, and bassist Jay Stuckey churn through relentless standouts — like «346 Broadway» — that defy every pop convention without losing a genuine listenability. Other highlights include the emotive title track and the punishing yet apathetic «Cornered.» Stuckey and Adi play nicely together, giving this budget recording a huge sound with their focused intensity. This rhythmic support allows Lauterbach to literally run amuck in guitar feedback and vocal chord destruction. Fans of prog-leaning, almost hardcore outfits like Slint or over-the-top sludgy rockers like Clutch should enjoy this hard-to-find, but valuable explosion of American noise.