Ex Models: Zoo Psychology

Ex Models: Zoo Psychology
Label: FrenchKiss
Release Date: 2002
Review Date: 2003

This CD arrived unsolicited and without explanation. The cover alternately bored and annoyed me, but hey, I’ll take the time to listen to anything that someone sends me. The first 30 seconds of “Fuck to the Music” had me intrigued, and although it didn’t lead me where I wanted, I’m still listening. The Ex Models turn out to be another NYC art/noise band, but don’t write them off. My inability to classify Zoo Psychology forces me to fall back on the hackneyed tradition of giving you the Frankenstein description. Remember, I can’t make art, so I have to write about it. Wire on Meth? A dentist drill you can dance to? Frank Zappa on acid… oh wait, bad speed. Roxy Music on Drano? Ok, that’s a stretch but imagine the possibilities. Marie sings, “I’m a little bit Devo.” To which Donny replies “I’m a little bit Sonic Youth.” To which point the bloated corpse of Elvis reanimates itself and kicks in the TV. The longest song, errr… arrangement on here is 2:10. listening to Zoo Psychology makes you wish the Ex Models could reign it in a little and conform just little bit, not to mention lose the falsetto warbling every once and a while,. You know, make it somewhat more palatable like the Heroin Sheiks. I imagine that’s the kind of sesnible advice they strive to ignore. Great song titles too, like “Hey Boner” and “Oye Como Shah” Not for the meek. One can only imagine the kind of spleen-busting live performance the Ex Models must give.

Online Action: exmodels.org
Online Action: frenchkissrecords.com