With a name like Super Consumers and a debut EP called Terrorism, you might expect something like anarchist punk. But no, this local five-piece is a radio-ready anthem factory that only seems subversive when you pay attention to the lyrics. So are Super Consumers smuggling actual social critique in modern-rock clothing or simply stocking their tunes with rabble-rousing themes? Let's take a look at Terrorism and find out.
1) "$1.99 for the First Minute": Between Ron Sansone's vocals and the band's moody mechanics, this sounds like Dogs Die in Hot Cars gone emo. Lyrically, flesh is sold and melancholy reigns: "She dons the wig and discards her jeans/ Silent he spells out the familiar fantasy." Not really political, but pretty creepy.
2) "Say It With Me Now: Bodega": Ah, a title worthy of Minus the Bear. But again, the music is straight modern-rock. The theme is addiction, and after a falling-down drug den is conjured, Starbucks suddenly emerges as the enemy: "An overfilled cup corrupt by the taste of franchised flavors." Hmm ... Starbucks is an easy target, and who doesn't like coffee?
3) "Crucifixion Starts at Home": That title's not likely to win over the mainstream, nor will lyrics decrying the print media, radio and the FCC. Could earn some credibility, though.
4) "Other Uses for a Lightbulb": A desperation- fueled plea for salvation.
5) "Death and Taxes": In which the band lashes out at: paychecks, jewelry, charge cards, foresting and ... KFC. Bottom line: "Why do the pearly gates resemble prison bars to me?"
Verdict: Super Consumers appear genuinely dissatisfied with our empty-calories society, and their lyrics are darker and more thoughtful than those of most teen-baiting bands. If they could escape the upbeat/downcast modern-rock paradigm and embrace chaos a bit, their songs might better match their sentiments.
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