Wow--they're back! This record really slipped under my radar! I didn't think I'd ever see the day that a new World/Inferno record would be born, but hey, it's here--let's party!!!
If you don't know about The World/Inferno Friendship Society, methinks its best to go and learn yourself all about them right now. They're a cabaret group with a hint of ska. Weimar Republic ska. Oompah-band with a hint of Broadway (the hard way). James Chance meets Nick Cave at Marc Almond's birthday party is what we're talking about here. Think I'm taking journalistic liberties here? Nope. This troupe is really one of the most unclassifiable bands you've ever heard, but it's nothing if not totally enjoyable.
Just The Best Party is only their second full length in five years. All that silence had me convinced that their musical output would be limited to a pretty good album The True Story of the Bridgewater Astral League, and a slew of essential singles released right before and shortly after their debut--all of which are collected on the must-own East Coast Super Sound Punk of Today!!. To be honest, that would have been fine with me. Why? Because sometimes it's okay to stop while you're ahead, to leave the game when you're on top, and The World/Inferno Friendship Society have all the qualifications to be one of those "cool" bands twenty years from now.
Don't get me wrong; I'm totally happy that these guys are back, and Just the Best Party is further proof that they're one of the most interesting--and fun--bands around today. There are nine members in the band photo, but this band's much, much bigger in style and sound. Their sound is the whole history of cabaret, performed and informed by the history of punk rock. The World/Inferno Friendship Society mix intelligent, whip-smart humor with a vaudeville punk rock approach, which produces fun songs such as "Zen and the Art of Breaking Everything In This Room," "All The World's A Stage (Dive)." and my personal favorite, "I Wouldn't Want to Live In A World Without Grudges."
The World/Inferno Friendship Society is a band that you really have to experience to enjoy, because the records--while great, mind you--are more of a document of what proves to be a great live show. Still, Just The Best Party is indeed the best party--provided that the party's full of lush punk rockers in velvet suits and a never-ending flow of Remy Martin. Put this on at your next party--it'll flow really well between your Scott Walker and Strokes records.
--Joseph Kyle
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