You’ve heard it all before in bands like Slint, Polvo and Don Caballero. That guitar-oriented, post-rock that bends and shifts in jagged or structure moments. Chicago’s T’Bone, however, takes that seemingly introspective and thoughtful genre and add a dose of ridiculousness on their debut, Mt. Trashmore, with overblown vocals and silly premises.

When the melancholy guitar plucking of “The Biggest Luger,” opens the record, it sounds quite reflective until circus announcer-esque voice rambles through. Eventually, “Champions of the World / Unite,” comes together under chunky riffs. It can be heard as quite peculiar, but the song is a good indicator of what’s to come on the rest of Mt. Trashmore – edgy, melodic rock with an Adult Swim attitude.

This approach really captures a fun, light-hearted energy at times, especially on “Doored By A Cop.” The rambunctious riff-rager becomes a vehicle for a catchy, nonsensical chorus hook, “Pretend that you didn’t see what you think you might of saw!” The song then melts into a dark, sludgy bridge with plenty of disturbing growls until a punk-ified coda brings the energy full circle.

And what balances Mt. Thrashmore‘s twisted humor is quality musicianship. Bassist Leland Meiners barrels through car-chase rhythms (“Deerblood”), guitarist Pat McPartland can turn from silky to crunchy on a dime (“Dana Carvey Is Your Father”) and drummer Ed Bornstein provides both Zeppelin-heavy back beats (“Welcome Home Nick Daunche”) and punchy, swing action (“Mt. Trashmore”).

Though their musical influences are easily recognizable on Mt. Trashmore, it’s T’Bone’s demented delivery that sets them apart.

Download Mt. Trashmore for free at T’Bone’s Bandcamp page.

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T’BONE
10:00 p.m. Friday, July 29
The Mutiny, 2428 N Western Ave.
21+. FREE.
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