All Hail Discordia

Review by Michael O'Donahue

All Hail Discordia has that kind of laid-back, off-the-cuff charm to it that you just can't get for trying -- "Hey, fellas, I got an idea. What we need is a laid-back, off-the-cuff thing! It'll be perfect! Now, which of these here knobs DOES that?"

By Divine Right possess that same "hangin' in the basement" vibe as bands like the Flaming Lips, although not so WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT? as them odd Oklahomans, and this album kind of reminds me of Exile on Main Street in a weird recorded-at-home way. But without the smackyness, paranoia and budget that the Stones had then.

All of the songs on this CD are of a reasonable length -- there's none of the self-indulgent wankiness so prevalent in many of today's mello-fi groups. HOW REFRESHING! The album seems to say, "This is us, these are the songs." It all sounds so right and natural, with its Keith Richards-like lazy riffage and stoned-and-pining vocals.

I admit that, on first, listen, All Hail Discordia slipped by without grabbing me. But it's one of these rare albums that actually rewards repeated listening because it works so well as a whole. At first it may seem blurry and indistinct, but don't be fooled -- it is really, really good.

Artist Contact Info: 689 Queen St. West, Box 167, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, V6J 1E6