Local ‘9-piece party orchestra’ RMRM have just released their second album, the well-recorded and (certainly!) energetic Vic Sound System. The scope of musical creativity is strong here, and borders are constantly being tested to escape any real generalization describing the sound. ‘Lion’ starts the album out with a crawl, and an oh-so-sweet brass section. By track three, "Nisky Business," we are treated to a hustle akin to "Do It Any Way You Wanna’"by ’70’s disco act People’s Choice (sampled on Tupac’s "Holla If You Hear Me"). Peppered throughout the album are moments of straight-up skanking, but it is always countered with something to affect it and escape pigeonholing. There are tracks for so many different feelings: whether I want to burn one down ("Set Free"), play video games ("RSIB"), slow dance ("Man On Earth") or samba ("Smoke"). Summoning a breadth of sensations, these nine personalities bring serious oomph to this set of songs – get ready for a full-on bash when they play Metropolis nightclub Nov. 25 (tickets are $12 and are available at Lyle's Place). Though Vic Sound System sounds great as an album, it will guarantee to bring some surefire spunk to the dancefloor. Also, head to their website (rmrm.ca) to check out the hysterical video for lead-off single "Man Down," featuring a gang of pirates looking for buried "Tresher." Spoiler alert: I was not surprised when the booty turned out to be lollipops. M
- Brody Slater