Born Again Revisited

Don’t adjust your set. It’s supposed to sound like this. Columbus, Ohio’s Times New Viking love a lo-fi sound and that extra layer of grime is all part of their appeal. The sound is often so overloaded that the instruments are literally fighting for sonic space, and still the vocals somehow overcome this molten mess. “Martin Luther King Day” practically sounds as if the band has gone pop with its catchy vocal brigade. However, things are right back to pure garage-punk rock with “I Smell Bubblegum” where the band’s primitivism works as everything goes into overdrive. It’s the sound of analog recording taken to its extreme with every needle going into the red. (Judging by the primitive sound, it’s highly likely that their recording equipment doesn’t come with meters to gauge sound input.) The songs are virtually interchangeable — though, on close listen, it is obvious that there are distinct melodies, lyrics and guitar lines happening. Choosing personal favorites can be challenging, but the title track, the mock blues of “Little World” and the piano-driven smooth pop of “Half Day In Hell” are worthy places to start.