Drug Store Raid’s, Background Music for Family Arguments, is like stepping into a musical funhouse—every room is filled with surprises, and you never know what’s around the corner. This genre-bending debut is a 35-minute riot of sound and emotion, capturing the chaos of modern life with humor, irony, and just the right amount of existential dread.
From the opening track, it’s clear this isn’t your average post-punk album. The band combines the jittery energy of Talking Heads with the raw intensity of The Birthday Party, adding a dash of Swans’ heaviness and Madonna’s unapologetic flair. Tracks like ‘Vi Är Finnjävlar’ delve into Finnish identity with sharp wit, while ‘Americana’ offers a more introspective look at longing and self-discovery. It’s an album that manages to be both deeply personal and wildly entertaining.
‘Gutter’ is the album’s fiery centerpiece, a track so ferocious it feels like it could incinerate your speakers. With lyrics about God, violence, water parks, sharks, and bleach, it’s as absurd as it is cathartic—a perfect encapsulation of the band’s refusal to be pinned down. Meanwhile, tracks like ‘Suzy’ and ‘Fashion Fashion’ bring levity with their quirky narratives and infectious grooves, ensuring the album never takes itself too seriously.
What makes, Background Music for Family Arguments, so compelling is its ability to balance chaos with cohesion. Each track is wildly different, yet they all share a rebellious spirit that ties the album together. Whether they’re critiquing societal norms or embracing the absurd, Drug Store Raid does it with an energy that’s impossible to resist.
This is music for anyone who’s ever felt like they didn’t belong. It’s a celebration of individuality and a reminder that it’s okay to laugh at life’s absurdities. With, Background Music for Family Arguments, Drug Store Raid has crafted a debut that’s as unpredictable as it is unforgettable.