The In Out, “The Venal Column” LP

cover-in-outThe In Out‘s newest LP, The Venal Column, is yet another one of those releases that defies classification. The tear sheet that came with the record uses “the Cramps meet the Fugs.” The dirty, swampy overtones favored by the Cramps definitely shine through on this release, but I’d say it veers closer to early ’80 weirdos than late ’60s acid casualties.

Granted, yes, they do cover the Fugs’ “Frenzy” on this release, but the In Out’s sound seems more like a grab bag of ’80s college radio vinyl than anything else. Listening to this album over and over again (as you will find yourself doing, trying to parse the influences and sounds made by this trio) reminds me of the times when I’d be digging through the vinyl stacks of KJHK late at night or early in the morning.

I’d pull record because of half-remembered recommendations, because of amazing album art, because of weird titles, or simply because they happened to be right next to some other record I wanted to play. This is how you discover strange new tunes with odd rhythms and lyrics. Yet, this is also music that will soon be comfortably familar from repeated play.

This does absolutely nothing to tell you anything in depth about the In Out, of course. It’s certainly intriguing. The three-piece is certainly talented. Overall, Sell You Records has a tough sell in The Venal Column. However, for those willing to play roulette with their influences for garage rock one moment and jammed-out weirdness the next, you will be mightily rewarded.

Death By Molasses by The In Out