Artist: Victor! Fix the Sun
Album: Person, Place, or Thing
Genre: Post-Punk/Experimental
Label: Friction

Countless bands clearly fit in one particular genre and they follow the blueprint formulas that have been previously set. The most intriguing bands are the ones that can’t accurately be classified and that holds true for the Michigan-based trio, Victor! Fix the Sun. They are pushing envelopes and bring an innovative blend of experimental, mathy post-punk, and hardcore elements to the table. Their latest release Person, Place, or Thing, on Friction Records, is complex and dynamic and yet undeniably raw and packed with emotion. To say they have come along way since starting merely as a basement band would be a vast understatement.

They immediately display their dynamic talent from the start, on the opening track, “My Friend the Guru.” Incorporating a rolling drum line and abrasive guitar work, this track really sets the tone for what this album is all about. Following with “We Come From The Northwoods,” they dab in a heavier side and the domineering and aggressive screams that move into a melodic instrumental section flow perfectly. “Blind Man’s Bluff,” is easily the most fun track and the upbeat tempo is sure to make you want to put on your dancing shoes and let loose. Title track, “Person, Place, or Thing,” is a perfect example of their relentless array of ability by starting out at a slower, mellow pace and then unexpectedly hypes up and turns energetic. Not many bands can pull of such drastic arrangements without sounding overbearing but it works wonders for them.

Vocalists, Ryan Martin and Patrick Boylan’s, compelling singing and angsty screams, prove that they are a force to be reckoned with. Ending on the album on powerful note, after a dexterous instrumental section, “Invested, Mother Approved,” delivers the line, “You’re just another wasted day, just another place to stay, but you don’t deserve people like us, like me and you, you’re just another game to play,” with such passion that you can’t help but be sucked in and feel the raw emotion that is displayed.

Victor! Fix the Sun is eclectic, unique, and aggressive, every thing I could ask for in a band. From the musicianship to the songwriting, Person, Place, or Thing, is sheer brilliant from start to finish and left me wishing there were more than six tracks. Their live performance is absolutely breath taking and if you’re lucky enough to live in the Midwest I highly suggest catching one of their shows. In the meantime, be sure to pick up their albums and keep your eyes open because this is a band you’ll want hear more from.

Score: 9.5/10
Written by: Nerissa Judd

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James Shotwell

James Shotwell is the founder of Under The Gun Review. He loves writing about music and movies almost as much as he loves his two fat cats. He's also the co-founder of Antique Records and the Marketing Coordinator for Haulix. You should probably follow him on Twitter.

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