Review by Matt Miller
Infamous as much for irritation as ingenuity, Mindless Self Indulgence continues to alienate and unite audiences through a richer sound and I daresay artistic motive with You’ll Rebel to Anything.
Although previous MSI songs have the same dichotomy between flippancy and cunning, You’ll Rebel to Anything is not so much a collection of songs as a the medium where all the songs converge on a common theme, unlike previous releases. Exploring issues in music such as success, censorship, scenes, the fans, and even the band’s own silliness, MSI manages to shatter the equally high and low standards set by previous releases with an innovative method of writing. The album may have listeners saying, “It’s brilliant…but it isn’t – but it is!”
“Shut Me Up” begins You’ll Rebel to Anything with a catchy verse, The bass. The rock. The mic. The treble, seemingly referring to each band member’s contribution, followed by possibly the most infectious line on the album, I like my coffee black just like my metal. In just a few words, the album draws the audience into the method of making music: Instruments, people, and a hefty helping time and energy.
The following track, “1989” seems to ridicule a failure of the regurgitated new wave scene while expressing frustration with its adherence to industry standards and is echoed in the most melodic track “Straight to Video,” which deviates significantly from previous material. This track may actually fool some people into listening to MSI.
Possibly the best cover song I have ever heard, “Tom Sawyer” is as much a tribute to Rush’s classic single as it is a case of musical molestation. The faster pace and lyrical omissions enhance the energy and significance of an otherwise worn-out idea: the musician as a ‘warrior’ of free thought and speech. However, the theme fits well within MSI’s little collection of meta-noise and overall amusingly confusing style, giving the idea a sort of insignificant relevance. Yeah, MSI is a freethinking band, but who cares? All music should be progressive.
Getting deeper into the album, listeners will uncover a more traditional, fast-paced MSI style in “Stupid MF” and “2 Hookers and an Eightball” as well as tracks like “What Do They Know?” and “Bullshit,” which slow down a little and sound a bit more serious…even if they aren’t – but they are!
You’ll Rebel to Anything successfully explores new musical terrain without compromising MSI’s previously established…integrity.