Pataphysics
Take a Look Out Your Window (Business Deal)Zom Zoms expat Pat Healy helms the vocals as Pataphysics, initially a local solo project that’s grown to include a full band. Good thing, too, because Healy is an unmanned fire hose live. The guitar/bass/drum/synth setup extends attention spans on the quintet’s debut LP (on vinyl with a CD included), 16 marathon songs about asking Jesus to grow a mustache, tapping kegs, and Kennedy’s assassination. On “American Mannequin,” Healy yelps like Danny Elfman, and Oingo Boingo-ness continues on the pogo-worthy “Miniskirts and Bikinis.” Not that Pataphysics is aping OB; Take a Look grabs the weirdo-pop formula and rolls downhill. Their cover of Red Krayola’s “Hurricane Fighter Plane” takes on an otherworldly buzz, anchored by Dirk Michener’s beefy bassline; the standout title track is pure synth syncopation that borders on 1960s bomp; “Stake” is a slower-paced burn that shows the group can pull off more than sugar high. Focused, fun, physical. (CD release: Friday, April 11, Hole in the Wall.)
This article appears in April 11 • 2008.