Dumb Vision: Dumb Vision/Trash Knife Split

Laying down a series of in-your-face, blistering trash-punk riffs and no-holds-barred garage rock, Dumb Vision use their vinyl debut to literally tear it up as they do best. One scorching passage leads to the next, chock full of that vintage-crackling grunge we've come to prize. At first glance, the three songs that comprise the Dumb Vision side created the impression of a Seattle, 1988 Jack Endino Nirvana recording, especially the gritty, lo-fi build-up starting the second track, Creepy Crawler. However, Nirvana is hardly the only wellspring the band draws from: the old-school approach of these songs are also reminiscent of the budding 80s garage-punk scene, more often than not creating a seething, explosive frenzy that simultaneously tips its denim cap to the all-out speedpunk of GG Allin and the bluesy, bass-driven swagger of The Stooges. Also conveniently reflecting its lo-fi approach, the split was recorded in a basement studio in St. Paul, Minnesota by Matt Castore, at an all-time mid-tour peak of locked rhythmic tightness that brings the devilish four-piece even closer to the full-on assault-'n-battery levels of Minor Threat, Black Flag and Bad Brains.
As a live unit, Dumb Vision demonstrate consistently pure punk riffs that new-generation bands often struggle to match in explosiveness—yet Dumb Vision draws its victims into its pit by immolating intensity alone. Drummer Alex Ross (Fire Heads) leads the charge, keeping a rapidfire tempo that demands a rigorously strict adherence with bassist Griffin Pett (Wood Chickens). Rhythm Guitarist Chris Joutras (Dharma Dogs) flanks astride Lead Guitarist/Vocalist Erick Fruehling (Fire Heads) with considerable demolition-derby-style precision, even taking turns co-opting songwriting duties. Each member reflects the best of both worlds: showcasing their personalized abilities from each of their own bands, yet operating like one well-oiled destructive unit. This 7" is also a foretaste for an upcoming Dumb Vision LP that they anticipate receiving from the press within the end of 2018. You can find the 7" at your local Dumb Vision show, Madcity Music, or support the band by showing their bandcamp some love here.