Possum Dixon
Star Maps (Interscope)
by Marc Hirsh
Possum Dixon
Star Maps (Interscope)
by Marc Hirsh
originally published in the Public News, May 8, 1996
Should the mood to be made extremely nervous strike, Star Maps should suffice. Possum Dixon leader Rob Zabrecky's hyper-paranoid lyrics and reedy voice entrench themselves in an eclectic mix of sharply angled guitar pop and keyboard-drenched sci-fi horror tunes.
This split purpose works to both the benefit and detriment of the group. It seems like Possum Dixon are trying to be two bands, since their two key styles never really intersect to any degree. On the other hand, they master both so fully that it's hard to complain that the fast and loud "Crashing Your Planet" and the equally excellent but slow and moody "Party Tonight" sound like the work of unrelated bands.
Thing is, the same group is responsible for both, and that only makes the album even edgier. Not that Possum Dixon need it. There's an more underlying weirdness than mere musical inconguity throughout Star Maps, an album that credits the band's psychic as if she were in the group. It's in the opening "Go West," which comes across like the mutated offspring of T. Rex and the Cars, unabashed cool meeting post-modern paranoia. The spook keyboards and tremelo guitar of "Radio Comets" and the vibraphone of the final "Apartment Song" make Angelo Badalamenti's Twin Peaks music sound like easy listening.
What dark demons divided this band into two seemingly separate entities? Whatever it was, Possum Dixon know what they're doing (or seem to think they do). If you're able to follow without the comfort of trust, then let 'em lead wherever it is they're going.