Boredom and Terror

The Intelligence includes: Lars Finberg.
On the 13-track Boredom and Terror, Seattle's the Intelligence are able to resonate an intriguing mix of passion, unease, and spirited crash-and-burn energy to create a captivating disc from beginning to end. Starting with the piano/organ/drums/bass fuzz of "The World Is a Drag," singer Lars Finberg flaunts brash vocals with a flair for the dramatic, which continue on the dizzying "The New Kings and Queens of Musical History." By now, listeners should know they are in for something dramatically different. More than merely avant-garde, Finberg changes the music's pace throughout, from the cool swagger of "Telephone Wires" to the rollicking upheaval of "Guys." The title track is a pieced-together new wave puzzle, featuring alternating spastic vocals from Finberg, who clearly takes influence from musicians from all over the musical map. "Weekends in Jail" closes out the disc with spectacular singalong grace, glowing with texture that sounds wildly unique, yet oddly familiar. While Finberg performs as the chaotic drummer of the A-Frames, here he's completely in control, offering up offbeat lyrics while conducting the swirling and suspenseful instrumentation. Joined by members of the A-Frames, Pyramids, and Thee Flying Dutchmen, Finberg and company impress on Boredom and Terror with their creative bravado and rousing execution. California's Omnibus Records released the disc in early 2004. ~ Stephen Cramer