World Peace: "The Most Noble Impulse Of Man" (Review)
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After seeing Phish perform at Madison Square Garden and falling hypnotized to the band’s methodology, listening to San Francisco’s World Peace reminds me of the uncanny rituals which both bands utilize to move towards intimate connectivity. Though undoubtedly far removed in basic sound, both groups require similar timing to get their message (movement) across.
World Peace is grind with bubbly speed. The ten songs on the band’s debut The Most Noble Impulse of Man, all hang around the 40-second mark (“Ascending the Bridge with Resolute Intent” is the only one over a minute). They total about a third of one of Phish’s live psychedelic jaunts. It’s funny, but both styles are actually about the same length in terms of totality, meaning they both succeed in establishing an honest and exact depiction in the elapsed time they construct. World Peace pulls from punk rock, hardcore, and grind, and has a modern way of capturing youthful angst. The mix is fast and filling — the bass pure fury, accentuated and driving. Phish can be so just as aggressive in nature, but choose to give space to their outbursts, essentially rearranging time and impression.
Similarly, The Most Noble Impulse of Man uses its time wisely, and in its own way. The songs are bouncy and explosive: hard metallic riffs that use feedback and speed as a way to pull from the ether and create immediacy. Chunky stomp-stuff fused with really brisk grind creates the foundation the band needs to attempt everything else. They don’t venture far, but when they do find that groove amidst the circle they weave, it’s pretty sweet, much like that shadowy fourth-dimensional structure Phish find amidst their extended travels.
World Peace has a condensed and straightened message. They recall bands like Trash Talk and Expire, but with a nod to old-school grinders like Phobia. It’s hard not to feel the weight of direct impression, and as such, you’re apt to experience some simulation. So naturally, the band can feel familiar (but there’s some fresh vibes here).
The Most Notable Impulse of Man is a nice escape, and should also make you think about your relationship with all your music.
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World Peace’s new album can be had on cassette through First Letter Press. Phish basically carved their reach with the analog nugget, and similarly, grind and punk bands’ connection to tapes is of immediate importance, particularly with the possibilities of a restricted and taxed Internet.
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