The phrase “happy hardcore” is oxymoronic by sheer definition; however, when applied to New York City’s Professor Murder, such a delightfully irreverent claim makes perfect sense. In the tradition of recently departed Brit-band Test Icicles, Professor Murder brings a highly danceable rhythm to the normally chaotic hardcore realm.
Professor Murder Rides the Subway proves that brevity is the soul of wit – coming in at just over sixteen minutes, the EP makes the loud, percussive statement that it’s time to party. Using a variety of drum beats, particularly the cowbell, in addition to heavy bass and quirky synths, Professor Murder has the style and feeling of a videogame come to life. Stand out track “Free Stress Test” opens with a heavy electronic sound and is quickly joined by the ever-present cowbell. The vocal styling has a hint of Panic! At the Disco crossed with the screechy, high pitched voice of Alex Ebert from Ima Robot. This trend of bass driven, percussive rhythm continues on “The Mountain,” and “Cameron’s New Color Pt. 3.” Opening song “Champion” leaves no delusions as to where the album is headed when a seemingly robotic voice repeats, “That’s right we came to party/Street by street block by block.”
With quirky cartoonish album art and the amalgam of opposing chaotic sounds, Professor Murder Rides the Subway could easily get its own show on Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim. The four songs offered on the EP offer fun times without overstaying their welcome.
The Red Alertwww.professormurder.com