Words by Evan La Ruffa

Hailing from Ft. Wayne, Indiana, you wouldn’t be blamed (too much) for expecting something generic. This band is anything but. Meet, Exterminate All Rational Thought, otherwise known as EART. We’re happy to have found them, both because rock music can feel dead at times with certain celeb DJ’s packing stadiums, but these guys have made us reconsider the state of things. Their recent effort, “Lining The Streets” is exactly what those of us who miss aggressively amazing tunes. “The Formula” is truly a perfect opening track, slowly reaching the zenith with intelligent structures and great melody. It serves as the entry point for the upcoming tracks, aptly titled, Part1, Part2, and Part 3. This is a purely instrumental release, replete with musical expanses. This band would be amazing to see in some vast outdoor setting, but even as the sound waves emanate from our record player, we’re extremely impressed. From intricacy into walls of guitars and syncopated ferocity, this music is most definitely both going to and coming from somewhere important. “Part 2″ opens and relies on a great, concise rock riff, only to open up yet again. The guitars articulate melodies seemingly implored by the rhythms, creating a sound that is certainly aggressive, yet incredibly tactful. “Part 3″ feels like the conclusion it is, wandering into chaos before circling back to the placid in-betweens this group of musicians often finds with utter success. Without making typical comparisons, if you like 8 minute songs, much shredding, with beautiful breaths in between, EART are your guys.

We’d be remiss without speaking to the level of the vinyl release. Not only are there two versions, but they’re on colored vinyl and sound more than adequate. They’re playing Chicago this Friday at Reggie’s Music Joint, it’s sure to be way better than most every $5 rock show you’ve ever seen.

Photo by Ellie Bouge

Exterminate All Rational Thought