Brut force

Art Brut is one of the more divisive bands in indie rock.

If you’re new to them, I can guarantee that some of you, upon hearing Eddie Argos’ tuneless talk-singing, will ask “What is this junk?” and immediately go back to Fleet Foxes or Grizzly Bear or something else with pretty vocal harmonies.

This review, then, is for the other folks – the ones who, after hitting Art Brut’s MySpace page, notice the witty lyrics, surging beat and infectious energy. If this is you, and you have not yet purchased their 2005 debut “Bang Bang Rock And Roll,” do so now. It is, very simply, this decade’s greatest punk album.

OK, but what of Art Brut’s latest album, “Art Brut vs. Satan?” 

Well, it’s not as essential as their debut, but it’s certainly fun – and a real improvement over their second release, “It’s A Bit Complicated.”

Featuring slicker production and broader, more universal lyrics, “Complicated” was sort of Art Brut’s pop album – and, while decent, it lost some of “Bang Bang’s” spirit. “Art Brut vs. Satan,” on the other hand, takes the band back to the garage (thanks to production by the Pixies’ Frank Black), while the lyrics lead us on a tour through Argos’ life.

But we’re not talking about rock star ego-tripping.

We’re talking about bad hangovers (“Alcoholics Unanimous”), awkward hookups (“What A Rush”) and unfortunate drug interactions (“Mysterious Bruises”); celebrations of comic books (“DC Comics and Chocolate Milkshake”), public transit (“The Passenger”) and lo-fi production (“Slap Dash For No Cash”); frustration at mainstream musical tastes (“Demons Out!”) and the rapture of finding a new musical love (“The Replacements”).

In other words, it’s the soundtrack to the life of a music geek. And if you’re reading this, face it: that’s what you are.