Arma Secreta "A Century's Remains" (Smith7)
By Lucas Salg
Wednesday. Aug 30, 1:57 AM
Skillful post-punk executed with panache.

Arma Secreta are a solid little post-punk unit out of Memphis, primarily the brainchild of multi-instrumentalist / vocalist Chris Wark. On their debut record A Century’s Remains, they sound a lot like a more muscular, energized Pinback, which is great because I have always liked Pinback but wished they would crank up the volume once in a while. Wark writes perfectionist rock anthems with twisty, precise guitar leads, simultaneously embracing big melodies and complex song structures. It’s evocative of the late-‘90s, DeSoto / Crank! style, which is right up my alley, but with its own distinctive twist that keeps things sounding fresh.

Wark endured and ultimately beat cancer during the making of this record and put a lot of work into it, and it shows. The songs are (mostly) long and complex, but hold your interest even when they stretch beyond the six-minute mark, never leaving the often-catchy melodies behind. The rhythmic structures never wander too far into masturbatory trig-rock territory, but throw just enough change-ups to keep listeners happily on their toes. The secret weapon is the stellar Brad Bean, whose excellent kit work perfectly complements Wark’s songwriting at every turn. I’m also really digging the keyboard work on this album: it’s integral to many tracks without overpowering the other instrumentation, providing color and nuance. Good subtle work here. “Sweather Weather” is a gem with a percolating rhythm and a great vocal hook, “Turin Style” explodes with persistent layers of churning guitar atop a killer stop-start cadence, and the brilliantly titled “Pyah!” lets Arma Secreta’s gift for poppy but expressive melodies have free reign. There isn’t a weak link in the whole 50-minute record.

Arma Secreta serve up a damn good slice of indie rock. You’ve heard this before, but rarely is it executed with as much skill or panache as it is here. Even the most discerning rock snob would have trouble not finding something to like. Recommended.
www.armasecreta.us
www.smithseven.com

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Lucas Salg

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