RPM
IRRATIONAL ANTHEM
7940

LINKS:

rpm.tv

The debut release of musician RPM is a fierce declaration of individuality. RPM had Irrational Anthem released on her own label, 7940 Records because she didn’t want to deal with the major labels. How kick ass is that? RPM’s sound is on the heavy side of alternative, and if it seems a bit simple at times, it’s because all instrumentals on the album were played by RPM herself or her producer, Frank Gryner (A Perfect Circle).
. In her song, “If I Had a Rock Band” she says, “IF I HAD A ROCK BAND/Then you’d understand/Why I’m so annoyed” and you do. Her lyrics are self-aware, poetic “fuck you”s that address the subjects of betrayal, obsession, hypocrisy, and finally, an apology to her mother for not writing happier songs. Though her lyrics fall short of brilliant, they are always clever, and brutally honest. I personally appreciate her liberal yet appropriate use of the word, “fuck.” RPM would fit right in on with the angry chicks movement, or Lilith Fair fare, but she’s no imitation.
If you want a good idea what this album is all about, you should download the album’s first song, “Goddamnit,” probably the best song on the album. “Liquid You” has a dreamier sound, and the last three songs on the album are a bit quieter, but most songs are variations of the “Gaddamnit” theme. My major gripe with this album is that RPM’s voice comes to grate on your ears after about twenty minutes, which is too bad, because she has a lot to say.
I briefly met the petite rocker beauty one day at Crusher, and I think that if she gets the right people behind her, she could make a killing in the music videos. I don’t know that that’s going to happen though, the true beauty of Irrational Anthem is that it’s almost all RPM. Hopefully she can add more cooks to the broth without spoiling it. Irrational Anthem is proof that you don’t need to make music within the system to get noticed. This release may not make a lot of lists, and that’s fine; it’s is a solid first release and if she stays honest, RPM will only improve.
----Trystam Spiro-Costello