Smart Went Crazy: Con Art

The presence of Smart Went Crazy's three farfisa players, cellist and sampler telegraphs a clear warning: "We're waaaacky indie rockers!" The second song on the band's recent Con Art telegraphs another warning altogether: "We can stomp your ass." Those instruments serve to flush out the group's already full guitar sound, making it heavier and more ominous. Melodies are laid down, counter-melodies run as an undercurrent throughout, and great songwriting adds the finishing touch: It's as if Low were given to letting loose with blasts of noise once in a while, or as if Poster Children had added extra noises in its prime. Con Art is one of those rare albums that sounds great whether you give it your full attention or merely leave it on as background noise. There's a boiling river of anger and confusion in Smart Went Crazy's sound, and we're just getting the steam. If the dam that holds it in check breaks, all hell will really break loose.