New Times

The Violent Femmes emerged in the ‘80s as the ultimate alternative band. They played acoustic instruments and featured a singer who made Lou Reed and Jonathan Richman sound like accomplished singers. By the time of <i>New Times</i>, they were an entrenched institution and full-fledged adults to boot. But singer Gordon Gano never lost his emotional edge and no matter how evolved some of the arrangements are on <i>New Times</i>, Gano leads with his achy-breaky voice. “Breakin’ Up” keeps things in a muted phase, where Gano wanders the halls trying to make sense of his anxieties. “I’m Nothing” is even more naked. Just acoustic guitar and Gano on what sounds like a demo recording. “4 Seasons” brings out the full band for greater impact. “Don’t Start Me On the Liquor” ramps up to a volatile level. “This Island Life” suppresses the rage with harmonies and a bass guitar that snakes down the back alley. “Machine,” one of the album’s singles (!), is the Femmes at their most exploratory, with Gano ranting to vocoder voices, synthesizer rumblings, and other sound effects.