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UNCUT
• Modern Currencies


Wall of sound. Not the first term one would have used to describe the original incarnation of Uncut, a product of multi-instrumentalist Ian Worang, and techno producer Jake Fairley. With their early singles making it into the record bags of high-profile DJs quick to adopt the then-fresh dance-rock phenomenon, an album full of club bangers might have been expected -- but intentions change, and all that. So after Fairley relocated to Berlin, Worang rebuilt Uncut with Sam Goldberg, Derek Tokar and Jon Drew, signing to Toronto's Paper Bag Records, and releasing the debut album, Those Who Were Hung Hang Here.

Sure, original hits like "Understanding the New Violence" continued as a propulsive explosion of danceable energy, but with guitars replacing computers at shows, and a total reliance on live percussion, the feel was entirely different. And entirely good, if one were paying attention to the critical praise the band was receiving.

So what does critical praise get you these days? The ear of Bob Mould evidently, indie-rock legend and ex-Husker Du founder, Mould asked Uncut to open for his 2006 tour, which was, according to Uncut "the loudest series of shows we've ever been to." After two years of regular touring and sharing the stage with Death From Above 1979, Metric, Sloan, and The Walkmen, playing at both CMJ and SxSW…Uncut has evidently arrived at their new sound: LOUD.

Loud like early '90s touchstones Swervedriver and Dinosaur Jr. or even perhaps The Jesus and Mary Chain, the cascading guitar squall, pounding rhythms and basslines are all capable of moving the hairs on the back of your neck. Indeed, with this their second album, bassist Tokar has stepped up to the mic alongside Worang and Goldberg.

Through all of this hard work, the foursome found their live legs, playing off each other and creating an intense, connected stage presence. This shines through the crevices of their new album Modern Currenices, lending it a more live, dynamic feel than anything you've heard from the band so far. It's tight, but not over-produced; polished, but full of soul -- their experience as musicians evident.

“Modern Currencies” was self produced, recorded and engineered by Jon Drew (Uncut’s drummer and producer for both Tokyo Police Club and Magneta Lane) and mixed by John O’Mahony (Metric, Dashboard Confessional, LCD Soundsystem).

Uncut is:
Ian Worang – Guitar/Vocals on track 1, 3, 5, 8, 10
Sam Goldberg – Guitar/Vocals on track 2, 4, 6, 7, 12
Jon Drew – Drums/Percussion
Derek Tokar – Bass/Vocals on track 9, 11

With Guests:
Melissa Auf Der Maur – Backing vocals on track 2, 6, 7
Ndidi Onukwulu – Vocals on track 12