The Intelligence

Led by Lars Finberg, the drummer for under-appreciated Sub Pop doom-punks A Frames, the Intelligence take garage punk to slower, murkier depths. Deuteronomy, the second album from the Seattle band, allows for varying genres within its cloudy boundaries. Opener "Moon Beeps” builds a grumpy melody from a fuzzy bass and repetitive guitar, while "Rooms and Bags” employs a similar looseness. Elsewhere, "How To Improve Your Hearing Without Listening” is a swampy jam, while "Secret Signs” and "Sailor Dive” recall classic Black Flag. Though a little schizophrenic at times, the songs on Deuteronomy are united by the messy simplicity of Finberg’s songwriting, resulting in a challenging but rewarding listen.