Self described “shit wave”, GENERAL INTEREST actually plays complex, tuneful, bass driven post punk not unlike MINUTEMEN, fIREHOSE, or NOMEANSNO. What sets them apart from those bands is the way the vocals are spoken, not sung. Essentially, what you’ve got is an American, punk version of UK pop act ART BRUT. While the lyrics are clever and funny, the delivery has a tendency to detract from the really cool music. Every song sounds like the spoken part of SUICIDAL TENDECIES “Institutionalized”. It makes it hard to really get into the songs. It sounds like the singer is somehow holding back, like he doesn’t believe in what they are doing. I know it’s what they are going for, but given the strength of the music, I can’t help felling a it’s a slightly wasted opportunity. (AM)