Big Ass Letdown - It Takes Less Brain Amount (Self Released)

by Boris Budd (What’s Up Magazine - February 2009)

I was a bit apprehensive to listen to the new record from Big Ass Letdown. I had been having a really good day and was afraid of, well, a big ass letdown. Fortunately for me It Takes Less Brain Power brought my day to even a better close. The 12-song effort is an exercise in creativity as the lads mix fabulous feedback driven guitars with frenzied bass, drums, sound effects, chants, etc. One can easily compare some of the textures to that of eary Pavement and Boo Radleys, especially when the scene turns to fuzzfest.

Lyrically, the tongue in cheek lyrics were engrossing, funny yet introspective. Lines like “if your heart breaks and no one is around does it make a sound” and “someone went to the outhouse in my mouth” are examples of some of the diverse topics that pull you in with this record. The vocal stylings could be a source of debate though. At times, maybe purposely flat, they sit on the edge of annoying and Ian Curtis, Joy Division greatness. Interesting.
Overall, Big Ass Letdown did exactly the opposite. If you are into cool, innovative stuff, this record is for you.

Check out their MySpace