Heavy Times – Black Sunglasses

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It’s been too long since you’ve felt the damp, leathery slap of Heavy Times across the small of your back, and it’s about time, isn’t it? We’re proud to present the next phase of this incredible Chicago band, one of the only bands that shape shifts lineups so seamlessly that it’s impossible to keep up with, yet always leaves you wanting more. The blueprint for this EP has changed so many times, but as the boys settle back into a more steady lineup with Russ Calderwood (Radar Eyes, Runnies, Dirges, Brides) on dead-locked bass and Tim Thomas (making it three Michigan guys now) on drums, it’s time to unleash these fireballs of nuanced grungy pop unto the earth. No stain remover on earth will be able to removes the audio scar you’ll endure with “Black Sunglasses” so just make sure you’re not operating any heavy machinery and make sure you’re wearing some sort of helmet, because you won’t be able to keep that sweet skull of yours off the bricks for long.

The A-side bolts forward like a pair of metronomic 70s Italian electro-punk anthems that skipped through time, complete with icy KORG patterns interwoven with sinister simplicity that’s almost too much to handle. The sheer brevity of craft here is in high form, like a knife made of ice or an invisible noose around your neck, it’s all downhill UNLESS you see their way. This is gutter-level pop for nobodies that want everything, and it’s about time these tracks were allowed to sizzle like this, as Heavy Times have evolved yet again and you’re gonna love every minute of it. The B-side unplugs the synthesizer and takes a turn back toward their signature “criminal pop” side that we love so much, conjuring up feelings of running for your life from the cops (and outrunning them) as well as some slick & melancholic Thin Lizzyisms that are just what your lonely heart needs tonight. So have no fear, Heavy Times are still throbbing along better than ever, lurking in the shadows, trying hard to not to act like they’re the best band in Chicago. – Victimoftime.com

Recommended If You Like:
Chrisma, Wipers, Beach Boys, Guided By Voices, Husker Du, Superchunk, Rocket From The Crypt, Marked Men, Pavement, Idle Times, Pixies, The Ponys, The Spits”