THE ARMED
Ultrapop
SARGENT HOUSE
Hardcore mutants whip up a surreal sonic maelstrom
The Armed might be one of the most unique and fascinating bands on the planet right now. The contributors are unknown for the most part, although we do get grunge legend Mark Lanegan lending his vocal prowess to closing track The Music Becomes A Skull, but their mix of mathy, maddening punk, formless passages of noise and art-pop sensibilities is evidence enough that these are some truly deranged individuals. A Life So Wonderful and Faith In Medication don’t seem to know if they want to be Aphex Twin, Sparks, Captain Beefheart or Mayhem, so they just go ahead and be all of them at once. If you’re prepared to put in the work Ultrapop is a magnificent collision of noise. If you aren’t, run like hell. ★★★★★★★★☆☆