Four angry men

Nothingface let it all hang out

by Joe Longone

In an age that is drenched in pain, what can we expect from our musical visionaries? Today's rock artist holds up a brutal mirror that shows an unflattering reflection of our cynicism, rage, and sorrow. When we look back and analyze the underground music of the '90s will we see bands like Nothingface as unfortunate prophets of doom? These four young men are self-inspired, social nihilists who view any beauty as superfluous and see the harsh examination of sores, physical and psychological, as the only road to redemption.

Coming from the Washington, DC scene that has had its share of confrontational bands (Minor Threat, Bad Brains, etc.), Nothingface are the latest slap in the face ready to shake today's youth. Here are menacing primitives who lack any social grace -- and are proud of it. In their song "Defaced," their screaming chorus states, "Culture, threw it out the door."

Formed in the summer of '94, the group cut their razor-sharp fangs in the DC and Baltimore bar scene. But they have hit their stride with their current line-up of singer Matt Holt, guitarist Tom Maxwell, bassist Bill Gaal, and drummer Chris Houck. Since signing on with DCideRecords last year, they have recorded and released their debut, Pacifier, and have toured nationally.

I spoke with the group's lead screamer, Holt. His soft-spoken voice betrayed his caustic view of the world. "Most of the music we play is inspired by the pain felt by the people around us. The brutality, depression, and child molestation experienced by others is what's on our latest recording," he says.

If Pacifier is a reflection of other people's pain interpreted by Nothingface, it is hard to see. They are talented musicians who take metal/funk about as far as it can go. But the 10 selections offered are little more than subconscious rants that don't even try to communicate a full idea. Holt, who has a knack for transforming his calm voice into a beastly bellow of an inflamed monster, might be showing us how rage can break down communication. How else can he and his band justify lyrics like "Cut my throat down time why me" and "I better stop myself cause you could be like this . . ."? Maybe it's by their own approach of sheer babble that Nothingface see the ending of a sick society, first by destroying its language.

I asked Holt what makes him angry. "People who whimper, piss and moan, bitch," he says. "I know what gets me mad. When a bunch of vegetarians feel they have the right to ransack a McDonalds, which did happen down in DC, and then act like martyrs by protesting outside the place. I'm sick and tired of all these special-interest and ethnic groups that go on crying because they don't get special treatment."

Holt may have a callous voice in a politically correct world, but at least he doesn't hide it. I can appreciate his honest, if not crude, approach.

"People have told me that we are a scary looking group," he says. "In fact, that's probably kept us out of a few fights. But actually, we're a pretty gentle bunch. We save all our pent-up anger and aggression for the stage. I think we come close to losing it when we get on stage. I feel bad for any band that has to follow us, we tend to be that explosive."

Just coming off tours with Tree and the new supergroup Stealth (ex-members of Bad Brains and Dog Eat Dog), Nothingface are touted by some as one of the strongest outfits in its genre. Holt and crew plan to keep touring the country for the rest of the summer. The four will then go into the studio to record their second release that will explore the group's "personal anger," Holt says.

"By this time next year, we'll be one of the biggest bands in this country," he promises.

You can make up your own mind when Nothingface invade the cozy confines of Sir Morgan's Cove on Friday, August 1.

Jam Pax

Worcester's surrounding towns, with the help of local organizations, occasionally hold events that spotlight up-and-coming bands. This is a good thing. Paxton's annual Summer Jam will happen next Friday, August 1. This free show takes place at Paxton Center on the grounds of St. Columba Church at 7 p.m. This year's line-up includes Resounding Euphony, Miasma, Within , Laid Back, Manor, Fragile Tymes, and Spore.