New York City trio Poem Rocket released Psychogeography, its third album and debut for the Atavistic label in October 2000. More straightforward but as uncompromising as ever, this CD contains 15 songs ranging from acoustic pseudo-ballad (“Intermission”) to full-fledged noise rock anthem (“Reurbanization of the Space”). The band’s best feature is still the complementary male/female lead vocals featured throughout the album. A reference to the more organized side of Sonic Youth is in order, but Poem Rocket also takes elements from the post-rock book, namely on the slow-paced opener “Dirigible.” The basic guitar/bass/drums trio’s sound is enhanced by a wide array of effects, studio montage, and tape loops that can turn what could have been a bland song into something like the haunting “Budapest.” Vocals could have been more forward in the mix, as they get drowned in guitars at times, like on “Karel Appel.” Psychogeography is packed with intelligent, energized, danceable, not-taken-for-granted alternative pop/rock tunes. – François Couture
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