Women occupy a unique place in the indie rock spectrum. Their songs and makeup can put them nowhere else –- Public Strain would be a Deerhunter album if it weren't for that sneer in its lip- and yet their music is completely singular.
Sounds come and go but the inspiration and wherewithal to realize your own goal in tone is paramount. Women seem to know exactly what they stand for and in presenting it they've entirely outdone themselves, again.
In short, it's a triumph. Yes, it's still messy, and yes, Patrick Flegel's apathetic nasal vocals are too saturated, or buried in the mix, or both, but the intricate musicianship and songwriting take this from "yet another lo-fi garage album" to mini masterpiece.
The results will probably not prove a tremendous cash cow, but theirs is a commendably original aesthetic, and theirs is an enigma you resolve to crack. [Oct 2010, p.114]
At its weakest, the album is merely boring with the lamely typical Can't You See, an album opener of distorted rumbling and vocals so low you'd strain to make them out. Arguably worse than a bland track is that the album actually offers some hope for a reasonably enjoyable experience.
This is not just one of the best albums of the year, it is one of the best of the decade. It is beautiful and horrifying in equal measure. IfThis is not just one of the best albums of the year, it is one of the best of the decade. It is beautiful and horrifying in equal measure. If Women come up with a pretty,transcendent melody, they don't just play it- they flog it, push it around, drag it through the mud. I do not like abrasive sounding music, but the songs Women play cannot be imagined in any other form. But forget the whole 'Wow it's a Sonic Assault!' angle, it's the songwriting. Eyesore twists and turns and ambles until it breaks into a run- it's a beautiful, strange song that deserves at least one listen from everyone. Heart Distraction, Locust Valley and Narrow with the hall are the other immediately affecting songs. Pitchfork gave it an 8.0 (pretty low for this kind of a record) and didn't bnm it. A bnm would have really helped these guys get more attention. But they're doing pretty well. Buy the album. It is the best one you'll here this year.…Expand
A fantastic album by almost any metric, Public Strain is an engrossing and challenging listen, veering between delicate melodies and dissonantA fantastic album by almost any metric, Public Strain is an engrossing and challenging listen, veering between delicate melodies and dissonant sonic explosions. Women don't obfuscate their source material, but hone in on the most vital elements of their influences and arrange those elements in surprising ways. Familiar sounds subtly veer into unexpected territory, creating a tense but engaging listening experience. The overall effect is menacing, at times disorienting, but ultimately (especially by the last song) rewarding. The band's sense purpose and focus set them far apart from their lo-fi peers. Also, I can't remember the last time I heard a band do so much with such a short run time.…Expand
I got to know this album almost a decade after its release. But it was in perfect circumstances, since we were all locked inside our homes.I got to know this album almost a decade after its release. But it was in perfect circumstances, since we were all locked inside our homes. This album hits perfectly, giving a cruel sense of isolation, bitter-sweetness and overall some kind of "public strain". It's a terrific record and one of my instant favourites. Been listening for months and the seamless transition from what sounds like a fork scratching restlessly a plate into something that reminds me of an orchestra gracefully getting in tune as seen in the opening track "can't you see" always touches me the same way every time.…Expand
I just recently acquired this awesome record. These guys have definitely nailed the dissonance vs. melody dynamic perfectly here. This typeI just recently acquired this awesome record. These guys have definitely nailed the dissonance vs. melody dynamic perfectly here. This type of record is not something that I typically listen to (punk derived rock), but the vocals are well done, the guitar playing is fun and inventive, and the songs are memorable and varied. I can only see myself liking this record more with time…Collapse
This album is one of the best of the decade. Public Strain is a near perfect album. I love this album. I wish this was not their last.This album is one of the best of the decade. Public Strain is a near perfect album. I love this album. I wish this was not their last. Highlights: "Can't You See", "Eyesore", "Heat Distraction"…Expand
