Susu

Brooklyn noise-rock trio Susu are part of a noise-rock continuum with roots that stretch all the way back into pioneering '60s freaks like Captain Beefheart, the Velvet Underground, and the Godz, through the Fall in the U.K. and Sonic Youth in the U.S., and from there into '90 acts like Unwound, Helium, and Tsunami and thence into the contemporary likes of Deerhoof. Guitarist Andrea Haver and bassist Michael Gabry favor both non-standard tunings and physically aggressive performances both vocally and instrumentally, over drums that ride the fine line between free jazz and utter chaos. Susu began as a more standard post-hardcore band called Surgery Sunday, which also included drummer Justin Bilicki and two other guitarists. As Haver and Gabry took control of the band's musical direction, the band slimmed down to the trio of themselves and Bilicki and shortened their name from Surgery Sunday to the equally meaningless but more lyrical Susu. Working with producer Martin Bisi, a key figure from the New York avant-garde scene of the 1980s which is one of Susu's key musical touchstones, the trio recorded their self-titled debut in 2006. Following its release, Bilicki was replaced by Oliver Riviera Drew for the band's second set, the 2007 EP Win. Win was released both as a six-track digital download and as a limited-edition three-track vinyl EP, bypassing CD formats entirely. ~ Stewart Mason, All Music Guide