Verdoux - A New Fixation

Verdoux

A New Fixation
self-released; 2015

3.4 out of 5

By Megan Gazzo

Verdoux’s new EP A New Fixation is a rush of adrenaline, starting with the song “In the Rush” coincidentally enough. It has the sentiment that two lovers once star crossed, too busy to connect like they once had. Feels like a ‘90s rendition but new punk feel.

Perhaps it is because the EP is produced by the same Lew Richards that directed Sublime; marching drum rhythms, forward driven percussion and rapid guitar strumming. The guitarist quickly moves through each and every chord succinctly and with passion. The song brings that feeling of when things have changed between you and another person, but there is still love for what was there. Only what was can be in the past, each lover is in a rush so that they don’t have to feel the pain.

Moving into the song “Can’t Wake Up” brings to the surface a sound that is somewhere between No Doubt and The Strokes combined. Big, heavy marching band-like steady percussion that slowly funnels into a drumroll crescendo. Each song thus far on the EP is a fist pumping, feet jumping punk anthem. With such song titles as “In the Rush,” “ Can’t Wake Up” and Alcoholic Daydream” all of the titles speak to the sensation of being in a haze, whether it be because time is moving fast, due to too much to drink, or being a dream like slumber.

There is a visceral concept of feeling love, but being slightly unconscious and unaware of it. This reminds me a lot of young people these days, unwilling or having been hurt too many times to fully embrace and feel love, and instead put a mask or protective barrier between them and it to numb the pain. 

The entire EP has a forward moving feeling, never once taking a break in emotion to float or decompress. Perhaps if a moment is felt, it would be too overwhelming. Best to just move through the pain and vulnerability of love with these punk love songs.  Comparing love to a “new fixation” has a sentiment of addiction. Perhaps love, just like alcohol, is an insatiable craving that can’t be filled. Until then, the forward-moving, high energy BPM laden tracks will help at least scurry along through emotion just long enough to recognize it. 

Overall, A New Fixation embodies several different crazes and gives a sense of a punk crowd jumping and on the brink of moshing. Definitely music to jump up and down to with your fist pumping in the air. Never once does the adrenaline of the EP subside. All songs on the EP are filled with a desire and with a drive to move forward through the slump-y emotions of love. The EP urges us to recognize subtle emotion, but not to get caught and weighed down. Don’t be a love slumped chump!  Many distractions such as alcohol, sleep and time running out deter the bands from their obsession with their fixation.  Definitely a wonderfully expressed album for those feeling confused or sidetracked by love. 

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