Writhing Squares: Mythology

On The Damned Thing – the closing track to Writhing Square’s latest album, Mythology – not only is it a song that pays homage to the city of Philadelphia, but it’s also one that couldn’t have been written anywhere else.

At least that’s how it feels from the outside. From the ragged glory of Purling Hiss (former band of Writhing Squares bassist Daniel Provenzano), to the solid catalogues of city stalwarts Sun Organ, Nyxy Nyx, Bad History Month and the DIY grit and heroics of local label Strange Mono, all told, Writhing Squares inadvertently capture the local spirit in a bottle.

Provenzano and saxophonist/vocalist Kevin Nickles (Ecstatic Vision) have been perforating eardrums for over a decade now as Writhing Squares. As Nickles shrieks “Supersonic crrrryy” on The Damned Thing, it doesn’t end the chaos of Mythology but embodies it.

2023 with Trouble In Mind Records’ Bill Roe

The band’s fourth long-player and third for Chicago favourites Trouble In Mind Records, Mythology follows the duo’s ambitious 2021 double album, Chart for the Solution. An album that proved difficult to get the hooks into largely down to lockdown fatigue, there’s no such problem with Mythology, as Nickles and Provenzano are firing on all cylinders with a sonic blitzkrieg that buckles the walls.

Totally uncompromising both in sound and attitude, Mythology begins with the metallic road dog blues of Barbarians. Writhing Squares take their own secret treaty with the kind of thundering boom that sounds like an all-in brawl between Blue Oyster Cult and The Stooges. It’s far removed from the sci-fi laser beam freak-out of Eternity – untethered, raucous riff-a-rolla with LSD dripping down the garage walls like sweat. Writhing Squares reveal a new side with the kind of rip-and-tear free-rock that travels beyond the borders.

Ferrell follows in what is a Myles Davis-inspired skronk-a-thon that leads into Acid Rain. Not to be mistaken for the equally wonderful Grails track of the same name, Writhing Squares unleash a trash can groove that begins like a trade-off between Bobby Keys and Steve Mackay. Eventually all hell breaks loose in what is free spirit blues-punk that evokes the same feeling as watching The MC5’s iconic 1970 performance on the Wayne State University campus. Sonically, on different frequencies of course, but here it’s all about the fucking vibe, maaaan!

Drahla: angeltape

And speaking of, LEM is the perfect comedown. Breezy proto sonics with Nickles’ saxophone chug tailored for the open road. What Writing Squares do here is have you digging around the car with one eye on the road and other in search of your copy of Fun House. Quite apt, considering Chromatophage is a vapourising instrumental that echoes L.A. Blues.

Meanwhile, Cerburus is psychedelia with a motorik twist; think William Gibson chipping away at Neuromancer under the influence, swerving The Clash and Roxy Music in favour of Faust. It’s a new energy Writhing Squares explore to great effect.

Overall, the same could be said for Mythology. Songs that present a new, raw grittiness to the band and the results are something uncompromisingly immediate and loosely narcotic. With break-neck speed and precision, as unhinged as it is, Writhing Squares create something that completely sizzles the senses. Mythology is hands down their greatest accomplishment so far.

Mythology is out now via Trouble In Mind Records. Purchase from Bandcamp.