This Moment in Black History

Abrasive, yet catchy, and completely odd, Public Square unites many of garage rock and punk's most influential, formative elements together in a decidedly coarse grind that leaves sharp bits sticking out and flavours completely lacking in the blend. From the odd space jams and blues rock of Blue Cheer to a Farfisa organ and cryptic atmosphere reeking of Murder City Devils, crashing hardcore mixing Black Flag with Gearhead Records-era Hives and even some old school soul/R&B flourishes reminiscent of Tricky Woo ― if TMIBH knew who Tricky Woo were ― here and there, the album is incredibly diverse while still being rooted in the scratchy hardcore punk vein. Occasionally their musical forays into extended jam territory feel overdone and fail to justify themselves; it's almost like a kid finally learning how to screw, completely forgetting that the other party involved deserves attention as well. Still, when the band cut to the chase and rock out unabashedly, they're capable of some intense, vicious tunes.