J.J. Anselmi
Edger’s new EP, Rudiments, is a 15-minute gem without a second of filler. The band combines garage rock with equal parts post-punk, and they pack enough hooks into each song to get them stuck in your head while also refraining from self-indulgence.
Rudiments begins with “Victory Gin,” which utilizes a condensed post-rock buildup—complete with gentle cymbal work and huge, ringing guitar notes—to emphasize the feedback-drenched chorus. Justin Lawson, whose voice sounds like it’s coming through a loudspeaker, shouts, “You’ve got me running in place,” but this song sprints between sections, maintaining a constant excitement.
“Noose,” the second track, opens with start-stop drumming and grungy guitar bends that would make Mudhoney proud. Drummer Nate Bartley then leads Edger into fast dance rock by emphasizing the upbeat on his hi-hat—a section preceding a jangling chorus that will transport you back to the mid 90s. Recorded by Mike Wisti at Albatross Studio on a 1” tape machine, Rudiments has a warm, lo-fi sound, but you can also hear the nuance of each instrument, which is rare.
The only song on the EP to exceed the 2:30 mark is “Cautious Optimist.” In it, Edger traverses from an angular call-and-response to a high-energy opening section to a verse that’s somehow melancholic and giddy at the same time—all in just over a minute. Similar to Weezer during the Pinkerton era, Edger is adept at encapsulating warring thoughts and feelings into singular moments.
“Domestication” fittingly closes the EP. Also using emotional juxtaposition, the song is a depressive doo wop jingle with beautifully simple organ notes that loom in the ether. During a time when so many bands get caught up in unnecessarily long songs and self-important jamming, Edger’s to-the-point ethos is a breath of fresh air. Listen to Rudiments: it’ll be the best 15 minutes of your day.
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