World/Inferno Friendship Society

World/Inferno Friendship Society: Red-Eyed SoulRed-Eyed Soul (2006)
Chunksaah Records

Reviewer Rating: 4.5

User Rating:

Contributed by: jamespastepunkjamespastepunk
(others by this writer | submit your own)
Published on July 21st 2006If there is a term for this record it would "Han Solo-ish". Han's charm has been discussed the world over, from Kevin J. Anderson to Kevin Smith and it's that sense of charm that permeates the World/Inferno Friendship Society's Red Eyed Soul. Like the famed Corellian smuggler, the World/Infern.

If there is a term for this record it would "Han Solo-ish".

Han's charm has been discussed the world over, from Kevin J. Anderson to Kevin Smith and it's that sense of charm that permeates the World/Inferno Friendship Society's Red Eyed Soul.

Like the famed Corellian smuggler, the World/Inferno Friendship Society has its own distinct swagger, from jumping rooftops in "Me V. Angry Mob" or petty larceny in the aptly titled "Let's Steal Everything" ("you never saw a thing and I was never there..."), but, like the Coreillan smuggler, it also knows how to dissappear before the authorities arrive ("So Long to the Circus").

The entirety of the Speak of Brave Men EP is here, apparently untouched, so if you've got it already, then there's 12 new cuts to appease you with. If, like me, you're new to the Society, then you won't notice.

If like me, you've never heard the Society before, this CD is fucking weird. The truth is, Red-Eyed Soul is what would happen if an anarchist punk rock band played with the cabaret from "Moulin Rouge." There's pianos, saxophones, violins, trumpets, cellos, keyboards, trombones and accordions, oh my! It sounds crazy. It sounds nutty. And it works. For 15 songs, it works, and how.

The first track, "Brother of the Mayor of Bridgewater" (and obvious single, if this group was ever to get any airplay) represents the crazy, crazy musical heights this group can achieve, and one listen will instantly convert you to a believer, or as the fans call themselves, Infernites. Is it a pop song? A swing song? A punk song? Who cares?

And while there's no song on the CD that's as immediately "end of year mixtape / tell all your friends for the next 3 months" worthy, within 2 listens, the disc has its hooks in you, and it ain't letting go.

Red-Eyed Soul, and by extension, the World/Inferno Friendship Society doesn't just defy categorization, it spits in its face. For lack of a better term, "circus music" and the group's own description, a "punk rock orchestra" will have to do. It goes without saying then, that Red-Eyed Soul isn't going to sit well as something to follow a diet of more straightforward music (say, right after No Trigger and Ignite), but listened to on its own, I found myself smiling, tapping my toes and singing along, or least making my best attempt to sing along, even though I can barely hold a key.

There has been talk of "a bold artistic statement" from our community. Red-Eyed Soul is it. It's memorable, it's anthemic, it questions and it rips at the beliefs that we base our society on. If you're looking for something different, important and fun (all at the same time), then I can think of no CD that fits the bill as well as Red-Eyed Soul.

Highly recommended.

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Fine Print: The following comments are owned by whoever posted them. We are not respon sible for them in any way. Seriously.

moistphily (March 16, 2011)

Really good. Stays interesting the whole way through.

Problematiclogic (October 19, 2008)

Perfect.

thebiglebowski (June 9, 2007)

Really good record

GlassPipeMurder (February 1, 2007)

it's called cabaret you silly goons.

tittytwisterbudy (December 24, 2006)

this band is amazing good as well as this album. im glad theyre finally getting the recognition they deserve after all these years.

ClashMan412 (October 5, 2006)

this is the best band that i have ever heard imiagine gogol bordello but way better, i dont even know what to call this band i just know that its the best thing that i have ever heard. i my self would say its kind of like a big band, ska cult of anarchists, i got one of there other albums (just the best party) and now ive got east coast super sound of punk in the mail i cant wait. do youself a favor go buy this album

Osloboditelj (September 12, 2006)

Album of the year. Nothing else I've heard yet compares.

notfeelingcreative (August 8, 2006)

Couldn't find this until today, but damn it was worth the wait!!! Great stuff!

ahoitherr (July 31, 2006)

I'm going to admit that I am biased. I love this band. Ever since I saw them play with the Subhumans, I've been a fan.

All that aside, musically this is a great album and possibly the best album of 2006. I have gone on record saying that before and fear not saying it again. I have listened to this album several times through and still love it. The band themselves make great music and I can see them gaining fame very shortly (especially with Brother of the Mayor of Bridgewater as a single). If you like this album, I suggest that you get Just The Best Party by them. It's got some other great songs like Zen and the Art of Destroying Everything In This Room.

P.S. If you think the music is weird, try interviewing these guys. I interviewed Jack (vox) and Franz (accordian) and it was an experiance I won't soon forget.

Frankff (July 25, 2006)

I had never heard of this band before and the review made it quite intriguing so i checked them out : surprisingly enjoyable and catchy tunes they have there, with a nice replayability potential. I ordered the record.

fritobandito (July 24, 2006)

SO goddamn good. wow.

AcidPolice (July 24, 2006)

Great fucking album. Super catchy.

Anonymous (July 24, 2006)

I never really listened to this band, but I like the songs on their myspace. I don't usually like horns, but this is pretty good.

Couldn't agree more about "This is Satire". So far, my favourite album of the year.

Vincent_M (July 24, 2006)

""this is satire" is the most underrated album put out so far thsi year"

I agree with that, minus the spelling.

Anonymous (July 24, 2006)

great, but get JUST THE BEST PARTY

Anonymous (July 23, 2006)

"this is satire" is the most underrated album put out so far thsi year

Anonymous (July 23, 2006)

album of the year

Keith19 (July 23, 2006)

Eh. It's decent I guess.

youwinalemon (July 23, 2006)

I'm digging what I'm hearing. I was a bit wary, as I usually don't dig what the Punknews hype machine backs (e.g. I'm not THAT into the Bouncing Souls), but this is quality.

However, the above score is for The Hold Steady, whose keyboardist is in this band's ranks as well.

Anonymous (July 22, 2006)

its coming out on BANKSHOT! Records http://www.myspace.com/bankshotrecords

Anonymous (July 22, 2006)

"Vinyl comes out next week. Double-LP with three unreleased tracks."

on chunksaah too?

wyzo

Anonymous (July 22, 2006)

doesnt sound like ted leo at all

darkstarm (July 22, 2006)

Who wants to see these guys tour with Black Hearts Procession? I know I do.

Great! band.

ElVaquero (July 22, 2006)

whatever, greedo shot first

Anonymous (July 22, 2006)

Its ted leo with more instruments

Anonymous (July 22, 2006)

Ha, Kevin J Anderson in a review. Awesome.

I just missed seeing them, kind of bummed, but I've seen them before

Anonymous (July 22, 2006)

great band

Anonymous (July 22, 2006)

This music sounds like Cirque Du Soleil hired a punk rock band to play their shows, instead of their regular weird music.

I've only checked out a couple of their songs so far, but they definitely sound like they are worth getting into.

almostpunkenough (July 22, 2006)

holy fucking crap this is good. and so goddamn happy.

TheYoungInfluential (July 21, 2006)

I love this album.
R.I.P. Jack's appendix

Anonymous (July 21, 2006)

annie the imaginary lawyer probably has the best sing along chorus ever

chickswithdicks (July 21, 2006)

i guess i don't get it? perhaps i'll try again.

DenBez (July 21, 2006)

amazing

sickboi (July 21, 2006)

Score is for if Nick Nolte had been cast as Han Solo.

"Ahhhh hell Chewbaaaca. Ahhh, god damn droids..."

tylerdurden8136 (July 21, 2006)

As soon as I read the line If there is a term for this record it would "Han Solo-ish," I knew I had to get this album.

Can't wait to hear it, and we need more Star Wars themed reviews.

Han Solo > Kirk.

Scores for the scruffy looking nerf herder.

Dante3000 (July 21, 2006)

stza stabbed the singers appendix with a machete while they were dueling. now thats hardcore.
I actually asked him about that in an interview (going up in abour three weeks) and his answer was priceless, quite tounge in cheek and I'm sure (seeing his persona) he would be quite public about it, if that's how it happened.
-Dante

Anonymous (July 21, 2006)

stza stabbed the singers appendix with a machete while they were dueling. now thats hardcore.

Anonymous (July 21, 2006)

Vinyl comes out next week. Double-LP with three unreleased tracks.

Anonymous (July 21, 2006)

Halloween 2000 - in a raw studio space in Brooklyn - the World Inferno is rocking out, everyone is having an insane time - and then it happens. One of the walls of the place suddenly opens up and the entire band rolls outside to play in the middle of the street. fireworks from the rooftop of the space. the crowd pours out onto the street, the cops roll by, and they cant do a damn thing.

possibly the best show i've ever seen.

Anonymous (July 21, 2006)

it's fun live while drunk, but don't know about on record

Anonymous (July 21, 2006)

"But then again I think that everything that bands like Minor Threat sucked. Looks like I'm not "Punk Rawk""

yeah, guess not

Anonymous (July 21, 2006)

WIFS = Sexy. You can't deny sexy.

I thought this album was solid. But then again I think that everything that bands like Minor Threat sucked. Looks like I'm not "Punk Rawk"

Anonymous (July 21, 2006)

Probably a good live show and they do have a few decent party tunes, but I'm not feeling this as having much repeat listenability. Some of these songs go above and beyond annoying 3rd wave ska bands.

Anonymous (July 21, 2006)

This cd is nothing short of outstanding. The songs are catchy without being slef-indulgent, and the level of musicianship of this band is well above compenant. For those who are new to them, its a chance you should take.

Anonymous (July 21, 2006)

best record all year and probably the best live act you will ever see in your life!

Dante3000 (July 21, 2006)

I've been into World/Inferno for a little while and so I wasn't quite sure what to expect. I mean I love them but this album is almost twice as long as ECSSPOT so I figured there would be some lag in it. And YES some songs aren't as fast and insane as "let's steal everything" but there isn't a single throw aways song on this album. 15 amazing songs from start to finish.
-Dante
P.S. I'll see your "Brother of the Mayor of Bridgewater" for the single and raise you "Me V. Angry Mob" or "So Long to The Circus" (still one of the best closers ever).

baseball (July 21, 2006)

can't find this thing anywhere, luckily i'm seeing them the 25th in DC so i can grab it then

EASILY one of the top 3 live bands i've ever seen

if you have the chance go to the show then GO, you'll become a believer

pastepunk (July 21, 2006)

Does this mean I ruined his career as a secret CIA operative?

kirbypuckett (July 21, 2006)

I hope Brian realizes that lies make baby Jesus cry.

...but Brian's jewish and he doesn't believe in freedom.

- Kirby

Anonymous (July 21, 2006)

Scores for this album and Sticks and Stones...both truly great and underrated band.

sickboi (July 21, 2006)

Damn Jordo, you just sold him out. And Primeevil has been around for a minute...

Anonymous (July 21, 2006)

these guys are the most overrated band next to golgol bordello

fuck them. so bad.

jamespastepunk (July 21, 2006)

Jordan, you spoiled the fun!

I would have said no, there never was a James...and then I'd change my first name to Jay, go to the East Coast and get into organized crime...

pastepunk (July 21, 2006)

Also, I take it primeevil is James from pastepunk, right? Cause if not there's some plagarism going on

--- Yes, James originally wrote this review for Pastepunk. The version here has been edited and expanded a little bit. James also did an interview with WI/FS and that will be posted on Pastepunk over the weekend...

sickboi (July 21, 2006)

Posted by inagreendase on 2006-07-18 00:24:16

TO PRE-EMPT QUESTIONS: The Bronx review goes up Friday.
________________________________________________

I hope Brian realizes that lies make baby Jesus cry.

ramo (July 21, 2006)

W/IFS always shows up around NYC but I never gotten a chance to see them live. However, after listening to "Red-Eyed Soul" I'm curious to see how their live show is like. A really great album. Probably one of my favorites for the year.

Ramo

almostpunkenough (July 21, 2006)

ok, i'll finally check these dudes out.

Anonymous (July 21, 2006)

i've heard great great things about the live show. This is pure music joy.

wyzo

Anonymous (July 21, 2006)

album of the year

hell heres a top 3

1. red eyed soul
2. gold record
3. goodbye cool world

TheOtherSteveJones (July 21, 2006)

Ive only heard a few songs but it sounds great. Its awesome to see some people doing something so different. I just ordered it online.

leifkills (July 21, 2006)

Possibly one of the best, happiest, all around rockingest cds I have ever heard. It is literally astounding. Give it a listen or not, I love it.

Anonymous (July 21, 2006)

Where's the _____ review?