Album Details

• Artist: Volcano Suns
• Album: The All-Night Lotus Party
• Label: Merge
• Year of Release: 2009
• Original Release: 1986
• ME Rating:
• Reviewed by: patchen on 2009-01-28

More melodic and somewhat melancholy compared to their debut, "All Night Lotus Party" added a droning depth to Volcano Suns jagged attack. This was their best record, full of confidence and daring, one that fulfilled the promise of "The Bright Orange Years," their debut.

From the opening, restless buzzsaw drone of "White Elephant" to the classic, somber "Room With A View," this record never lets up in intensity and innovation. Bands have built their entire sound on tracks like "Cans" and "Blown Stack." "Ride The Cog" is one of the most ferocious final tracks of any record this side of "Plans I Make" from Husker Du's "New Day Rising."

Like the reissue of "The Bright Orange Years," this comes with a slew of bonus tracks, from the splendor of "Time Off" to somewhat goofy covers of the Beatles and Leonard Nimoy.

From the ashes of Mission of Burma, Volcano Suns synthesized various elements of punk, no-wave, noise and pop into a mesmerizing stew, at least for their first two records.

"All-Night Lotus Party" is a classic finally getting its due. Always a wonder live, it would be nice to see these reissues stir up enough buzz to get the guys back on the road, if they are still up for it. To say you need this ought to be beside the point.

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