Perfect Pussy – I have lost all desire for feeling (EP Review)

by Steven Spoerl

Syracuse’s Sswampzz released an EP last year full of snarling lo-fi punk tracks. This EP, Sleeper, is chaotic and has more than a touch of menace. Sleeper also holds up on repeat listens and acts as a nice companion piece to another record to come out of Syracuse a year before that, Shoppers’ Silver Year, which boasted a similar formula; barely-contained chaos, a menacing atmosphere, and, importantly, a sense of unadulterated passion.

With those two releases being as close as they were, it shouldn’t have come as too much of a surprise when members of each band came together to form a new one. What is a little surprising (but entirely welcome) is how many people have latched on to this new project. Even though I have lost all desire for feeling came out in April, a recent run of eye-catching live performances has dramatically upped their profile and, suddenly, all everyone seems to want to talk about is Perfect Pussy.

I have lost all desire for feeling combines all the best attributes of the best releases from both Sswampzz and Shoppers (who are now sadly defunct). Perfect Pussy have also managed to incorporate other elements into their presentation as well, including the method for naming song titles. Continuing on vocalist Meredith Graves’ insistence in providing Roman numerals (something that dates back to her days in Shoppers) as song titles could prove problematic for listeners in the future but for now remains as intriguing as it is endearing. That intrigue acts as an important aspect of Perfect Pussy and could be a large part in what’s providing the band the levels of attention it’s currently receiving.

Graves’ intensity nicely complements the almost maniacal wall of noise that propels her forward. There’s a gleeful acceptance of being in her unintelligibly shouted lyrics that adds a certain depth of mystery to what would otherwise come across as a very bleak and frustrated record. One of the most effecting moments of I have lost all desire for feeling comes early on at the end of “I” when Graves spits out “I am full of light. I am filled with joy. I am full of peace. I had this dream that I forgave my enemies.” Each line comes across like a buried mantra that Graves is desperate to share with the world. That sense of desperation is one of I have lost all desire for feeling‘s most palpable elements. All four of these tracks seem scrappy and on edge, either looking for a fight or containing a fierce internal one.

By the time “IV” winds down and the dust clears, all that’s left is smoldering ash. Perfect Pussy never puts the brakes on and choose to careen out of control towards an inevitable impact. I have lost all desire for feeling easily stands as one of the most thrilling releases of 2013, EP or otherwise. Seemingly every move the band makes at this point will be subject to some sort of scrutiny after a few reportedly insane CMJ sets even furthered their profile (a glimpse at their unofficial Pitchfork CMJ showcase can be seen below). There’ll be a fight brewing with the mounting attention but, clearly, that’s not something Perfect Pussy seems too afraid of.

You can hear and purchase I have lost all desire for feeling here.