Boredoms

The ninth instalment of Boredoms’ epic Super Roots series comes a mere eight years after the last entry, and one year following its initial Japanese release. Recorded live at a Christmas Eve performance in Japan, SR9 is but one 40-minute track designed to take advantage of a 20-piece choral ensemble. Astonishingly, it’s the very first live record they’ve released, but also an honest illustration of the energy and thrill they emit. The choir maintain an angelic pitch throughout that barely ever rests — even when it breaks down almost 30 minutes in, it’s for a split second, probably to let the gang of drummers have a momentary breather. It’s the drumming that’s almost overtaken this group, and it’s on point in this performance, setting free a flood of multi-rhythms that constantly fall in and out of sync. EYE, meanwhile, oscillates between singing and synths, which help fill in the transitions when needed. SR9 is a testament to Boredoms’ live prowess. However, what I want to hear/see is full-length footage of 77 DRUM to get my complete fill of this band’s true spirit.