The Styrenes, One Fanzine Reader Writes (12" EP)

Given the amazing survival of the Styrenes for 35 years, it should not be surprising that their sound has evolved over time. 1996's "One Fanzine Reader Writes" 12" stretches the idea of the Hudson-Styrene LP, with Mike Hudson rambling over even more abstract and extended compositions. Where the elements of rock and new wave were still audible on A Monster and the Devil, by this point the guitar and keyboard could fit as easily in an avant-classical texture as a rock record. Hudson's stories are amazing, and the band plays great. Apart from the illogical decision to put the better song on side B, my only real complaints are the blurry cover photo which has nothing to do with the music and the sterile but overly processed recording style. This 12" is a far more logical direction for growth than the LP that followed it (We Care So You Don't Have to).