Bleached Black - Wrist Slashing Romance ep (1985, Rijid)

Well, I've finally gotten around to following up my Bleached Black entry from two years ago. At the time I had requested that if anybody had a line on the band's debut ep, Wrist Slashing Romance to let give me a shout out.  Stephen, BB's frontman responded and offered to make me a cd-r of it.  For whatever the reason, I opted to make matters a little more challenging for myself by holding out for an affordably priced copy of the original record, and a few months ago my patience paid off.  Containing six slices of high strung, clangy jangle rock, a la some of my fave obscuros like the Pedaljets and Beauty Constant, Wrist Slashing Romance was worth the wait. The record isn't as fearsome as it's title might imply, but it does kick up a fair amount of dirt, with "Will" and "Down the Stairs" leaving the deepest impressions.  Furthermore, WSR foreshadowed a fine LP to follow a couple years later, that sadly fell by the wayside.  Here's what Trouser Press had to say:

Ignore the misleading name: New Haven, Connecticut's Bleached Black offers a unique brand of keen-edged power/punk pop. Hard and driving, yet sublimely melodic, the trio intermingles unusual influences (Buzzcocks and R.E.M., to name two), enhanced by the dual vocal attack of guitarist Stevo and bassist Greg Prior.

The indie-land debut, Wrist-Slashing Romance, suffers as a result of poor recording. However, what it lacks in production it makes up for with first-class songs. "Prey for Me," "I Can't Be Happy" and the raging instrumental "Chainsmoking with Nigel" are absolutely outstanding.

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