Cassette Review // ASSASSUN "Sunset Skull" (Blackjack Illuminist Records)

https://blackjackilluministrecords.bandcamp.com/album/sunset-skull

The music of ASSASSUN can best be described as electro punk.   There are elements of it which make me think about the late 1980's / early 1990's while it also has a modern vibe to it as well.   There are a lot of electronics within and perhaps that is the modern touch, as it feels like it goes one step above what would be considered retro.

Artists from the past which this reminds me of include both Devo and Talking Heads, which is an open field of inspiration in many ways.  Both artists have diverse sounds but bring it all back to its core and I feel like ASSASSUN does the exact same thing here.  Whether it be somewhat catchy or heavily distorted, it all comes back around.

With some spoken words this cassette has that range from different aspects of the genre.  "The World I Will Leave", for example, has that start and stop bass sound which reminds me of the song "Cars" by Gary Numan, though it also just has this overall haunted feeling about it which takes it to another level.

And that might very well be the best way to think of this cassette.  On one hand, you can hear a song and it can remind you of a different artist or a specific song.  But then there is this other quality to it that makes it stand out and has it as an ASSASSUN song rather than feeling like a cover.   It's a great way to experience new music while honoring the past.