Six albums in seven years. Few bands create music at such a prolific rate, but FACS continues to stoke the fire. Furthermore, the Chicago trio never replicates an album; it's against their artistic principles. What began as an extension of Disappears has evolved into a distinct, standalone entity.
We’ll delve into FACS’ captivating rhythmic patterns later, but let’s first address our doppelgängers and doubles, our drives, and the reflections we encounter. Is your “other self” merely performing? At times, we allow negative influences to bring us down, yet there is hope beyond that.
The lyrics of ‘Wish Defense’, penned by guitarist Brian Case, delve into the dual nature of “man.” The “true self” within us desires something, but what exactly is it? Case is taking a deep look in the mirror, and it would be wise for all of us to do the same.
The artwork for ‘Wish Defense’, created by Morgan Cuinet, mirrors the black-and-white minimalism of the band’s debut, ‘Negative Houses’. The lyrics and the checkerboard design on the cover create a reflective effect. Case, a voice of conviction, declares “no feeling is final” and “clueless from privilege / wasted and content.” He may have sacrificed his past to reshape an era, yet that unresolved turmoil binds him. The title track references a haunting sorrow as a public display as Case repetitively sings “I’m not here / are you real?” over a dizzying rush of energy from all the instruments. ‘Wish Defense’ is likely FACS’ most enjoyable album; I find myself air drumming nearly throughout.
FACS continues to inject numerous sonic pathways into listeners’ ears; they are a sentimentally unpredictable band with boundless rhythmic options. FACS is a torrent of avant-garde punk energy. The cymbals clash and resonate; the band flows, cleaves, and strikes—it all merges together seamlessly. At times, the band members compete against one another (“Ordinary Voices”). Case’s guitar possesses a signature chill, resonating as if he is sketching or releasing a cascade of crystalline sounds.
Maintaining a meticulous and powerful creative energy across six albums is impressive. Steve Albini’s passing during the recording of ‘Wish Defense’ should not cast a shadow; I can almost hear Albini cheering from the beyond. Stanford Parker quickly stepped in to complete the album, and John Congleton mixed it, adhering to Albini’s notes.
There must have been considerable introspection following Albini's death during the project. How do we seek elegance when rebelling against desire? When reflecting on ourselves, what if we feel nothing? “What shape is the dark?” Case inquires. “What shape is the hate?” Did a fractured state define you?
“You Future” concludes the album with perhaps its most notable line: “Eyes the size of an American mile.” Case questions, “are you the same as you were?” Hopefully, the answer is no.
8/10
Words: Jordan Michael (@jordanjmichael.bsky.social)
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Six albums in seven years. Very few bands release music at such a prolific rate, yet FACS continues to stoke the fire. Additionally, the Chicago trio consistently avoids repeating themselves.