Jello Biafra and the
Guantanamo School of Medicine
October 9th, 2010 - Small's Hamtramck
In the twenty or so years since his brainchild Dead Kennedys officially disbanded, Jello Biafra has made a career of spoken word gigs interspersed with musical collaborations with some of the most compelling figures in underground music. Recording projects and touring with the likes of Melvins, No Means No, DOA, Mojo Nixon and Lard (with Ministry's Al Jorgensen) among others have kept his "hardcore as political weapon" message sharp. And now, the Guantanamo School of Medicine is his NEW method of transportaion of choice, backed by artists and a sound referred to as retaining some of the the spy-music-on-meth chaos of the DK's while adding a healthy dose of Detroit style proto-punk mixed with layers of sonic guitar noise.
Topically, the new album being supported by this tour, The Audacity of Hype, explores how our forced Iraqnophobia and Homeland Insecurity continues to feed lawlessness at the top ("The Terror Of Tiny Town") vs. a runaway police state and class war towards the bottom ("Three Strikes","Electronic Plantation"). "Clean As A Thistle" becomes more timely every day as "Family Values" blowhards get caught in sinful trysts while, album closer "I Won't Give Up" offers an Age of Obama anthem on how change comes from agitation from below, not glamour and soundbites from the top.
So, for any of you that relish those days of rebellious political angst fueled by one of the most unique spoken-word artists in the universe, be sure to get your ass out to Small's intimate venue. MCB sure will be!
