After 30 years in the game, Mission of Burma are still making some of the most vital music there is.
It's not hyperbole to say that Mission of Burma are one of American music's true originators, in fact it would be safer to say that the world is still coming to terms with the sheer power of their legacy. By far the most arresting band to emerge from Boston’s brief flirtation with art-punk back in the early '80s, their music has informed two generations of American indie musicians, with their enigmatic first EP 'Signals, Calls and Marches' cited as one of the major driving forces behind bands as diverse as Moby, The Pixies, Nirvana and Yo La Tengo.
Despite all the accolades and critical respect, it's not been an easy ride for Mission of Burma. Formed back in 1979, around former Moving Parts alumni Roger Miller and Conley and their pal Peter Prescott, the band quickly grabbed the attention of critics and the punk-loving public before disaster struck. Just after the release of their debut full-length ‘Vs’, the group disbanded due to Miller's crippling tinnitus, which got so bad, he was forced to endure the notoriously loud live shows on the band’s farewell tour wearing a pair of rifle-range ear defenders for protection. Just think, if only Miller's ears had held out a couple more years, all the history books would have "Mission of Burma" written where it says "Sonic Youth" now.
That should of been the end of the story, but in 2002 the band improbably reformed thanks in no small part to the machinations of Shellac's Bob Weston, who just so happened to be a band mate of Peter Prescott back in his Volcano Suns days. What has happened next has been a splurge of pent-up creative energy that has seen the band release four well-received albums in the space of 10 years. 'Usound' is the last of them, and judging by the warm praise its blend of battle-hymn choruses, brainy song structures and full on-muscle rock has been getting since its release in July, I wouldn’t be surprised to see it splashed over a lot of the best of 2012 lists.
Over to play a string of UK live dates around the Shellac curated ATP Festival, including one at Birthdays tomorrow, I managed to catch up with Peter Prescott over email. This is what he has to say for himself:
I just read that Boston has a Mission of Burma day. Bet you never thought of that when you started in the '70s?
Peter Prescott: Ha, I’d take that Mission of Burma day with a grain of salt! I’m not sure who celebrates that one...
‘Usound’ is your 4th album in 10 years, which is a pretty effective strike rate for a band. Is there ever a sense that you're making up for lost time?
None whatsoever. We are very comfortable with each other, so each new project follows on from the next one organically. When there are no more songs or inspiration, then there will be no more records.
What were you aiming to do with Usound? How would you say the music has developed from the 'Signals, Calls and Marches ' days?
I think the main thing we were looking to do was to get out of our comfort zone. We never, for better or worse, look back, for us it’s always been more important to make something that’s off kilter, bent into odd shapes. How it has changed since way back is for others to decide!
The Quietus has 'Usound' down as the most vital record of 2012, which they reckon is unacceptable for a 30 year old band. What would you say to this - I mean can 30 year old bands still have something to say? Why do you reckon young bands are lacking that experimental edge?
30 year old bands can certainly have something to say, but they usually do not. Experience and time are like immense weights that usually crush inspiration and fun, somehow you have to turn that around and make it work for you. Younger indie bands are saddled with a different batch of artistic problems, like trying to be popular and loved; we gave up on that a long time ago!
Last question: Now that Burma is moving towards democracy, can you see Mission of Burma actually playing a show in Burma one of these days?
You never know
'Usound' is out now on FIRE Records. For more things on at Birthdays, check out our listings.
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