In its twelve tracks, ‘Wasted Mind’ – the third full-length by Milwaukee’s Direct Hit! and their first on Fat Wreck Chords – provides a tale of consistent drug use. A concept album about narcotics following the exploits of a series under the influence outcasts, the music follows suit. Neither judgemental nor celebratory, ‘Wasted Mind’ exposes unpredictability; from euphoria to paranoia and back again.
The countdown in ‘Infinite Pills, Infinite Alcohol’ wears this ambiguity on its sleeve, seemingly reaching personal destruction and liberation at the same time. ‘Forced To Sleep’, despite its title, provides an upbeat slice of pop-punk perfection, joined by the likes of ‘Another Dimension’ – an ode to the altered state – and ‘Villain Alcoholic’. This buoyancy is offset by Direct Hit!’s more crazed moments on ‘Paid In Brains’ and ‘Do The Sick’. Each track cleverly presents a new state of mind.
Inspired by the likes of Fear & Loathing In Las Vegas and Naked Lunch, ‘Wasted Mind’ travels a similarly hedonistic road, in theme if not in style. The sound is far cleaner than the associations suggest, yet sits right at the top of its game. Following a short introductory message for the youth – or more appropriately a warning for the over-forties – ‘Artificial Confidence’ launches ‘Wasted Mind’ with an instant pop-punk classic. Grandiose in style and controversial in content, it’s indicative of the quality song-writing running throughout the record.
‘Wasted Mind’ might not be breaking any musical boundaries, but it sits excellently within its borders. Despite the opening warning it also feels remarkably sophisticated for its theme. It neither commends nor denounces its subject matter, instead offering a journey through various states of reality. Fun in its delivery, there’s enough edge to give ‘Wasted Mind’ some genuine grit. How seriously you want to take ‘Wasted Mind’ is your prerogative, just be careful how loud you sing along to these lyrics in public.
BEN TIPPLE