The UV Race

TREVOR BLOCK reviews The UV Race’s self-titled debut album in real time.

Over the past year or so, The UV Race have matured into a band that can withstand scrutiny, but they are still best dealt with in the here and now, like a flaming Sambuca shot spilt on your arm. Seeing them live will probably always be the best medium to experience their unique take on the past 30 years or so of music. But lo and behold, they’ve got their shit together and recorded an album to see you through the downtime between shows. To keep the spirit of spontaneity intact, I’ve reviewed this album in real time, getting the right words down in no longer than the 24 odd minutes it takes for the tracks to play.

?Society Made Me Selfish?

Shortest thing on here at 55 seconds. A basic three chorder with a pouty snarl that seems at odds with the UVR’s usual sunny disposition. Has a whole chorus and verse of stuttering.

?I Go Blank Deep?

It’s an odd sort of love song until you realise it’s probably actually about obsession. Contains the first evidence of keyboard usage on the album, but the guitar break is the key here.

?Am I In Love?

I seem to recall this one as a bit of a live highlight, with its oddly jerky tempo. If you don’t like simple repetitive lyrics over simple repetitive music, then this is probably where the album will start to grate.

?Set Sail To Fail?

Great title, great bass intro. Mikey Young’s production manages to fit in the sax while keeping everything clear – even Marcus? often shouted and hard to decipher speak/singing style shines through.

?Gore Orphanage?

This actually sounds almost poppy; a bouncy tune about, er, arson at an orphanage. It’s based on an urban legend told to the band by their American buddy Greg.

?All The Things I Do?

Oh, of course, this has been sequenced for vinyl, so you save one of the best tracks for the end of side one. Another awesomely fucked-up guitar break, but this one goes for a decent length of time.

?Make You Strain?

And by the same logic, this is meant to open side two. Rattles along with much yelling of ?insane-uh? and ?brain-uh?. Classic.

?Stare Into The Whole’

Wow, is that an acoustic guitar strumming in the background here? Passive aggressive nihilism – has a bit of a downer feel to it.

?Meet Me Under The Clocks?

One of the Race’s party songs, based on memories of arriving at Flinders Street Station to meet up with friends for a weekend of gigs in the city. I didn’t suspect any of the band had goth tendencies, but there you go.

?Driving In Our Car?

This is a bit of a personal fave, maybe because it’s relatively subdued and makes for a good change of pace. As Marcus says in his explanatory liner notes: ?This song is about hanging out in your car with your mates, going for a drive, not sure where you are driving to. Having fun with your friends in a car coz there is something exciting about not knowing where you’re driving to. As long you have good friends then you know it’s going to be a fun trip.?

?Dog Tired?

Ah, yes, I can relate to this one. Another highlight of the live set, it’s almost like two songs stuck together. Bass player Moses sometimes seems to be playing something only he can hear. But it gets wired and it works.

?The UV Know?

Fake religious prophecy was always on the cards for these guys, what with their sun obsession and private language and all. Mostly instrumental, held together by the drums and some studio effects. It really spazzes out by the end.

Done. No encores here.

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The UV Race is out now on Aarght! Records.