Rad Times Xpress IV

Jennifer Herrema's current band was first known as RTX, which caused fans to confuse them with her former group, Royal Trux. Now named Black Bananas, the band plays the same sort of hipster/underground freakout music that folks have come to expect from any outfit with Herrema at the helm. The sound is dense and experimental, with an interest in scuzzy guitars and howling vocals. "Acid Song" is the sound of a garage band breaking down the garage and finding the nearest thing that old punks can find to a dance groove. "TV Trouble" is a compelling sound collage, but figuring out what lurks behind the reckless beats and electronic effects is tough (if not impossible). "Hot Stupid" kicks up the dust with the sort of guitar solos that defined '70s hard rock bands. "My House" adds organ to the swampy attack. It's stoner rock for fans who've tired of the usual formulas. "Foxy Playground" could be the soundtrack to a '70s exploitation film. "Earthquake" swirls with a calm that's the eye of the hurricane. Black Bananas are deliberately obscure, which only adds to their appeal as an underground phenomenon.