None Other – The Path Of Least Resistance

Mike Carlson and Chad Lawrence make up this keyboard and digital effects based outfit.  On the cover of this tape is a quote by John Cage, circa 1937:  “I believe that the use of noise to make music will continue and increase until we reach a music produced through the aid of electrical instruments that will make available for musical purposes any and all sounds that can be heard.”  NONE OTHER fits into this concept well, although the ever-presence of catchy melodies belies an influence from popular music too.  The lyrics focus on a variety of subjects:  political interest peddling and  Capitalistic power-money hunger, the fulfillment of old wives’ tales, shooting missionaries and their ilk, despair juxtaposed with innocence…..  But it’s the sounds that are the focus here, really.  Some of the songs border on noise and confusion while others are melodic and concise in their structure.  The tape comes with a lyric sheet and all the pertinent info for those of us who like knowing those things.