Make Believe: Shock of Being (CD Review)

I don’t know much about Make Believe, but hints to what they’re about are immediately provided. The band's name makes me think of two things. One is that they create a fantasy world (sort of like Muppet Babies) for the listener. The other is that they have the ability to make you believe in them (or at least completely control your attention). As for the title of the album, I have a feeling it came from a J.G. Ballard quote.

I saw them open at Beat Kitchen in Chicago in November. I was completely awe struck. I felt as if I'd stumbled across something earth shattering purely by chance. Shock of Being is a 13-song collection of incredible Chicago music, not to mention the creative album artwork (the CD insert, when folded out, is their interpretation of a U.S. $1 bill). I can honestly say this is like nothing I’ve ever heard before. Granted I’m sure there are prominent influences (even I can admit that I haven’t heard everything). There is a clear nod to Metallica (note the print style of Amscaredica on packaging). There are also elements of punk and indie rock scattered throughout.

The album is a whirlwind of sound that never really lets up. There’s a sheer virtuosity in the guitar work and a sense of experimentation. However their sonic explorations remain tight and their style is actually extremely well-defined. The social commentary is lathered on strong in songs like “Amscaredica” and “Television Cemetary.” “The Storm on Her Birthday” begins on a familiar note (by familiar, I mean in the context of the album), but then delves into a hypnotic multi-instrumental array that’s sure to occupy every inch of your mind. "'Boom!' Sounds Like '-Hiss-' From Inside It" is another standout track and a smooth closer for the album.

Every new song gets the better of you. By all rights there should be a point where the album falters and fails to completely amaze. There are only one or two flaws I can even suggest. One is the sometimes rough-around-the-edges vocals of singer Tim Kinsella (check out “Fumio Nambata Had a Farm”). But really, I wouldn’t want the vocals to be any different. Furthermore, I’m learning about the vast presence of Kinsella in the Chicago music scene and coming to respect him even more. The second flaw is only that their songs are often anticlimactic. The listener is left with the impression that the songs could be much more powerful if everything came together to a peak of meaning and sound.

Make Believe’s music is not easy to absorb. However, it suggests that there is something far beyond what was prior known to be the realms of music. It is, in a sense, a breakthrough. It affirms the hope that every music junkie holds dearly inside of them, that it is possible to abandon all trends and patterns and create something wholly unique and special.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Try if you like: Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Aloha, 80’s Metallica

To get audio and video, or order the CD, go to www.flameshovel.com.