Bluetip
Polymer
Dischord, 3819 Beecher St. NW, Washington, DC 20007-1802
Release Date: 2000
Bluetip are part and parcel of the DC music scene. Like their label-mates Fugazi, Faraquet, and Jawbox, Bluetip has grown from straight ahead punk rock to a more dynamic and textured sound. Just as the progression from Minor Threat to Fugazi brought more emphasis on catchy melodies, syncopated rhythms, guitar interplay, and sweeping dynamics, so has Bluetip emerged from Swiz as one possible future for independent rock music.
In March 2000, aided by producer J. Robbins (Jawbox, Burning Airlines), Bluetip recorded the 10-song Polymer record. Polymer shows their flavor of light and nimble melodies with hints of late-70s punk rock, 80s new wave, and J. Robbins.
In the past six years, Bluetip have released 3 full-length records, one EP, made four trips through Europe, a month-long tour of Spain, two tours in Japan and criss-crossed the US over 10 times touring with The Melvins, At the Drive-In, Tool, X and Fugazi. All of this work has clearly paid off when you listen to the tight playing on Polymer.
Guitarist/vocalist Jason Farrell and guitarist Dave Stern from Swiz formed Bluetip in 1995 with a rhythm section consisting of bassist Jake Kump and drummer Dave Bryson. In the past 6 years, they have grown and developed a very strong style that is almost synonymous with the post-punk sound.
-- Ben Segal
ben@sharpflat.com
