A permanent guest in this house is my favorite band from Portland, the Wipers, and in numerous previous posts (all re-upped) I already made clear how much I rave about the three and it's finally time to introduce their debut: Is This Real? it was recorded by Greg (vocals/guitar), Dave (bass), Sam (drums) and was originally released on vinyl in 1979 via Park Avenue Records. Info: Initially wanting to put it out through his own Trap Records, Sage decided to release the album through Park Avenue Records, hoping that it would give them slightly wider distribution. Before it was released, Park Avenue insisted that the band re-record the album at a professional studio, as it was originally recorded at the band's rehearsal studio on a four-track recorder. When finally released, the album was not promoted and received little attention, only developing a cult following in the band's hometown. Reviewing for The Village Voice in 1980, Robert Christgau wrote, "Three guys from Portland (Oregon, but it might just as well be Maine) who caught on to punk unfashionably late and for that reason sound like they're still discovering something. Which hardly makes them unique--there are similar bands in dozens if not hundreds of American cities, many of whom send me records. What distinguishes this one is Greg Sage's hard-edged vocals--detached but never silly, passionate but never overwrought--and economical one-hook construction."
A review by Stephen Howell: "The production leaves much to be desired with its tinny-sounding drums, but, fortunately, the negatives don't outweigh the positives on this album. Guitarist/vocalist Greg Sage writes fairly simplistic songs with power chords, but each melody infects your brain like a fever. Even though Sage is from Oregon, he sings in a New York-style slur not dissimilar to Joey Ramone. Throughout the album, there is a very dark and ominous feel to the material (e.g., "D-7"), but it's made interesting on tracks like "Alien Boy," which changes from 4/4 time to 2/4 time. Sage also has a unique guitar style where he strums chords and lets them sustain into feedback, which creates rich textures in the songs."
Well, as you can see, it reads all very well and anyone who knows the band will be able to confirm that without a doubt. The Wipers are extra class and play punkrock at the top, at any time and suitable for every mood. This is the CD-Version with the Alien Boy EP ('80) as bonus, with three outtakes from the album sessions. TOP!!!
