A band’s press release almost always relies on a simple “A + B” statement to define their sound, and usually the equation involves two bands of such regard that the results are laughable. It’s always the garage band from Gary, Indiana who considers themselves to be the magic combination of Radiohead and Led Zeppelin. Middle Class Rut ambitiously describe themselves as a combination of Jane’s Addiction, Refused, Rage Against the Machine and the Foo Fighters. Now that is a ballsy statement. Not only is Middle Class Rut comparing themselves to three of the biggest bands of the ’90s (and Refused, a hardcore post-punk band from Sweden) with the release of their (somewhat) self-titled debut, they also hold the ideal that people actually want to hear another band that is wearing said influences on their sleeves. Surprisingly though, that ridiculously hyperbolic description is spot-on. And the fact that the result isn’t half bad is even more surprising. “Let It Go” and “All Walks Of Life” recall the anger and energy of their influences, with a hardcore punk edge that explains the somewhat questionable inclusion of Refused in their equation. Sure, they may run out of steam later on, with “So Long” and “I Don’t Really Know” feeling a bit too much like Jane’s Addiction for their own good, but this is one of the only bands who have managed to draw influence from mid-’90s alternative rock and not suck outright. And for that they deserve something. Also with ten songs (one secret) and over 40 minutes in length, this has to be the longest EP ever. (No Label)
