The ‘Permanent Fixtures’ compilation from Slouch Records serves as a panoramic document of a scene that refuses to be codified, capturing a frantic, electric energy that bridges the gap between studio precision and the sweat-soaked reality of the stage. This collection is less a standard label sampler and more an archival mapping of a specific creative geography, where the line between classic rock-and-roll swagger and avant-garde exploration is perpetually blurred. By weaving together live captures and polished tracks, the album creates a narrative of persistent motion and unrefined talent.
The curation begins with the dust-caked cinematic flair of “The Roadhouse” by Grady Strange, setting a tone of wanderlust that is immediately subverted by the rhythmic complexity of Röd Werk. Their contribution, “Mekong Delta Jumped Up Wolfman Boogie Blues,” is a definitive archetype of controlled chaos, providing a frantic bridge into the regional grit of “Palancalandia” by El Colmo. As the record settles into its groove, Babe Ruthless offers the hypnotic, swirling textures of “Lotus Eaters,” a track that prepares the listener for the dark, kinetic pulse of “She’s A Fatale” by Sonic Blossoms. This early sequence establishes the compilation’s ability to pivot between ethereal dreaming and visceral, earthbound intensity.
The emotional core of the release is found in its more vulnerable or unexpected moments, such as the poignant plea of “Don’t Die Without Me” by Le Pain and the reverent, jangly reimagining of The Clean’s “Sad Eyed Lady” by Oog Bogo. The energy shifts dramatically with the inclusion of live artifacts, most notably the blistering “I Come From The Mountain (Live at Permanent Records Roadhouse)” by Osees, which captures the raw, communal power of their performance. This is complemented by the idiosyncratic charm of “Sunset Pirate (Live at Public Access Shoot)” by Suburban John and the sharp, satirical edge of “Poseur Exposure” by The Intelligence. These tracks act as a reminder that this music is a living, breathing entity, best experienced in the heat of a room.
As the compilation draws to a close, the tonal variety remains its greatest strength. The Other Dante delivers a haunting rendition of Gene Summers’ “Taboo,” while POW! injects a dose of high-voltage energy with “Wisdom Teeth.” The relentless drive of “Obsession” by Self Improvement and the brutal, uncompromising noise of “Decapitator” by UGHH lead the listener toward the finality of the record. The journey concludes with the heavy, pyrotechnic spirit of “Magic (Live at The Bellwether)” by Zig Zags, a track that leaves the listener in a state of exhilarated exhaustion. ‘Permanent Fixtures’ is an essential testament to the enduring vitality of the underground, proving that the most resonant sounds are often those found on the periphery.
Listen or purchase here: Slouch Records | Bandcamp
