by Dan Goldin (@post_trash_)
For those who like to take deep dives into a musician’s back catalog, as far as modern punk goes, there’s none more enjoyable than Jake Robertson’s. As a core member of Ausmuteants, Leather Towel, Hierophants, and Smarts (among others), he’s been focusing on his ever shapeshifting solo project, Alien Nosejob, for the past several years. Each release expands the realms of his sound, from agitated hardcore to mutant disco and whatever may pique his interest in-between. This year he’s already released the blistering HC45-2 and now he’s back with his next full length, Paint It Clear. Due out November 12th via the excellent team of Anti Fade (Power Supply, Spiritual Mafia, Bananagun) and Feel It Records (The Cowboy, LYSOL, Spread Joy), the album continues Alien Nosejob’s streak of never releasing the same record twice, warping Robertson’s signature punk with disco beats and more prominently, deranged new-wave.
While no one song can possibly detail what to expect from Paint It Clear, lead single “Leather Gunn” is certainly a great place to start. There are moments throughout the album that will surprise you and then there are moments that just show a refinement of Robertson doing what he does best, and “Leather Gunn” reflects the latter. The Devo inspired single features a jangly stab of synth punk energy, the melodies cutting with sharp clarity over a jagged rhythm. It’s twitchy and full of post-punk jitters, big on groove and enormous energy. With production from Mikey Young, there’s a higher fidelity than any Alien Nosejob that has come before it, and it’s in that radiant sheen that “Leather Gunn” really does feel enormous, trading lo-fi for sonic splendor.