Garage reissue falls flat

The description of this record on Burger Records website tells me that this is a long lost gem from the 2003-2004 noise rock scene. Cool and exciting as this may sound, The Traps, for all their noise and heaviness and loud guitars, are honestly pretty boring. This is a style that‰’s been heard before, and been done better. Though the songs absolutely do not lack for energy, all of that is drained by the flat, lo-fi production. I love a raw, gritty record as much as the next guy, but only when it accentuates the ferocity and power of a performance, not make every song just sound like white noise with a man mumbling over it. There are a few well done spots here, and the fact that John Dwyer of Thee Oh Sees had a hand in getting this released makes it somewhat interesting, but overall this just a forgettable record in a genre with so many better options. If you want some garage, here it is. If you want something really interesting, it might be best to skip this one.

RIYL: Coachwhips, Ty Segall, Lightning Bolt
Recommended Tracks: 2, 9