Bored & Extremely Dangerous

My first shot at a “Best of 2011” (shorter) review is World/Inferno’s newest record which, if I was doing some sort of arbitrary ranking system like everyone else, would probably sit at number one. After some major lineup changes, most notably the sad departure of long-time guitarist Lucky Strano, some were worried about the Brooklyn-based cabaret punk troupe. Enter “The Anarchy and the Ecstasy”, a darker, more mid-tempo record that’s heavy on the bass and piano. The album definitely hearkens back to the group’s beginnings, with frontman Jack Terricloth once again collaborating with Scott Hollingsworth, his former partner in crime/piano player and one of the founders of the band. Terricloth plunks out the guitar for this record, replacing Lucky’s technical solos and big power chord choruses with more subtle crunchy riffs that quickly dissipate, giving the spotlight to the horns and piano. But the record takes some new leaps forward as well, with bassist Sandra Malak playing a crucial part in the vocals of nearly every track. While Inferno has had plenty of women singing backup over the years, the male-female dual vocals on “Anarchy” feel fresh. I’ve been told by a certain cat that Sandra actually used to sing opera at one point, and boy does it show! Like any other World/Inferno album, the mischief, the sneaking around on rooftops, the wine, the broken hearts…it’s all still there. The Inferno spirit is alive and well on the new record, making it a must listen of 2011.