The new one from ONETWOTHREE is called ONETWOTHREE. It's sinewy, rhythmic, and inspiring. It's also from Klaudia Schifferle of Kleenex (later called LiLiPuT), Madlaina Peer of the Noknows and Sara Schär of TNT, Souldawn, and The Kick. The record, out on Kill Rock Stars on Friday, is so perfectly realized that you'd almost believe me if I told you that this was a lost gem from the post-punk boom in the U.K. in 1981 or so.
"Perfect Illusions" and "Sudden" pop, bounce, and insinuate themselves into your soul. Simple yet smart, every cut here marries the kind of thing Schifferle offered in her earlier bands, with the sort of riot grrl-slash-DIY aesthetic of the label the band's on now. Fans of Priests, for example, will find lots here that resonates, like "Give Paw", a selection that also lines up nicely when heard next to recent compositions from Sleater-Kinney. Nothing on ONETWOTHREE is too extravagant, with the material retaining a snap and economic force that's impressive. A decade ago, I would have run out of fingers counting American bands who were trying to sound like this. These players make it sound so easy and natural.
ONETWOTHREE is out on Friday via Kill Rock Stars.
[Photo: ONETWOTHREE Bandcamp]