Imagine a world where art is both a weapon and a lifeline, a desperate scream into the void, accompanied by a careful and clever exploration of form and structure. That’s the essence of Lend-Lease, the long-lost EP by Poem Rocket, a band that thrived on the liminal space between post-punk chaos and art-rock introspection. Originally recorded in 1999 and shelved for decades, this four-song release is less a relic of the past and more a bridge between eras, offering a sonic exploration that feels as vital today as it must have in the creative crucible of New York’s late-90s underground. This resurrection through Silver Girl Records is not merely an exercise in nostalgia, it’s a sheer example of Poem Rocket’s singular brilliance. A blend of raw noise and ultimate precision, Lend-Lease encapsulates the band’s unique ability to channel influences like Gang of Four, The Birthday Party, and Live Skull into a deeply personal and intellectually provocative masterpiece. It’s noisy, it’s melodic, and it’s brimming with ideas, a collision of jagged edges and smooth contours that constantly defies expectations.
Poem Rocket’s capability to marry aggression with sophistication vividly displayed throughout Lend-Lease. Michael Peters’ and Mike Knowlton guitar work carves jagged paths through sonic landscapes, ranging from angular post-punk riffs to sprawling noise-rock textures. The tone is abrasive yet strangely melodic, echoing the brittle tension of Unwound while nodding to the cinematic sprawl of Echo & The Bunnymen. Every note feels intentional, each squall of distortion a calculated risk that pays off with interest. Sandra Gardner’s basslines don’t just anchor these compositions, they elevate them. Her playing acts as a counterpoint to the guitars, melodic yet firmly grounded, weaving intricate patterns that pull the listener deeper into the music’s labyrinthine structure. The interplay between bass and guitar is fascinating, a dance of cerebral and visceral dissonance and harmony.
Meanwhile, Peter Gordon’s drumming injects the EP with relentless energy. His beats are taut and propulsive, driving the songs forward with a sense of urgency that never feels rushed. Whether laying down a minimalist groove or exploding into frenetic bursts of rhythm, Gordon’s drumming provides the perfect framework for the shifting dynamics. While Lend-Lease is undoubtedly rooted in punk rock’s ethos, raw energy, and DIY spirit, it also exudes a certain cinematic quality. The production captures a sense of space and depth, making the EP feel like a journey through a series of sonic landscapes. This is not music that sits still, it evolves, expands, and contracts, pulling the listener along for the ride. The tension between heaviness and atmosphere is one of Lend-Lease’s defining features. Tracks erupt into walls of noise only to dissolve into moments of eerie calm, a dynamic push-and-pull that keeps the listener on edge. This balance between aggression and introspection mirrors the thematic undercurrents of the EP, which grapples with questions of history, resistance, and the human condition.
Poem Rocket has always been a band that operates on multiple levels, and Lend-Lease is no exception. The EP’s title nods to the historical Lend-Lease Act of World War II, suggesting themes of interdependence, sacrifice, and survival. These ideas are incorporated into the fabric of the music, from the lyrical explorations of power and resistance to the interplay between noise and melody. But Lend-Lease isn’t content to simply reference history, it interrogates it. The lyrics, delivered with a mix of urgency and detachment, challenge the listener to think critically about the past and its implications for the present. This is music as inquiry, as dialogue, as an act of defiance against simplistic narratives. Poem Rocket’s attention to detail extends beyond the music itself. The limited-edition vinyl release, with its clear 180-gram format, gatefold sleeve, and accompanying 24-page booklet, transforms Lend-Lease into a multi-sensory experience. The visuals are as arresting as the music, a reflection of the band’s commitment to creating visceral and thought-provoking art.
The booklet, with its essays and liner notes, offers a glimpse into the conceptual framework behind the EP, providing context without diminishing the music’s mystery. It’s a reminder that Poem Rocket is not just a band but a creative entity that blurs the lines between music, art, and philosophy. What makes Lend-Lease so remarkable is its ability to transcend time. Despite being recorded over two decades ago, the EP feels entirely contemporary. Its themes of resistance, collaboration, and introspection resonate in an era defined by division and uncertainty, while its sound, a gritty post-punk grit and sophisticated art-rock, remains as compelling as ever. This timelessness exemplifies Poem Rocket’s vision. The band was never content to simply ride the trends of their era, they were always looking forward, pushing boundaries, and challenging conventions. Lend-Lease is both a snapshot of a specific moment in their journey and a statement of their enduring relevance.
The rediscovery and release of Lend-Lease coincides with Poem Rocket’s return to live performance and their plans for new recordings in 2025. This is more than a comeback, it’s a reawakening, a chance for the band to reclaim their place in the avant-garde pantheon and introduce their music to a new generation of listeners. If Lend-Lease is any indication, Poem Rocket’s future promises to be as bold and uncompromising as their past. This EP isn’t just a rediscovered gem, it’s a call to action, a reminder of what can happen when a band refuses to settle for anything less than complete artistic integrity. Poem Rocket’s Lend-Lease is a masterful rediscovery, a masterclass in balancing noise and melody, chaos and control. It’s a record that demands your attention, challenging you to think, feel, and engage with its complex layers. It’s an essential listen, a reminder of what makes this post-punk music so vital and transformative. In an age where so much music feels disposable, Lend-Lease stands as a sheer example of true artistry and the power of perseverance. It’s a sonic exploration that leaves you exhilarated, exhausted, and eager for more. Head to Poem Rocket’s Bandcamp page for more information about ordering.
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