Moistboyz, IV

(Sanctuary Music, CD)

Moistboyz [1]'s latest batch of muscular, anti-PC rock is an attack on flag-happy, faux-patriotic ignoramuses. It's also a celebration of the grittier aspects of living, from cheap intoxication to even cheaper sex. Simply titled IV, the record finds the duo of Guy Heller and Mickey Melchiondo tearing through one red-blooded, potty-mouthed scorcher after another.

For those not in the know, axeman Melchiondo is a founding member of mock-rock maestros Ween. Although Moistboyz are equally juvenile, they're far more straightforward musically. While Melchiondo contributes some ace guitar playing to the disc, he's exchanged his usual psychedelic licks for amphetamine and Budweiser-fueled riffage.

Frontman Heller makes his antagonistic presence felt early on. The provocatively titled "I Don't Give a Fuck Where the Eagle Flies" is a bile-filled invective against the American war machine. "All the king's horses and all the king's men succeeded in pissing me off again," Heller growls over guitars spiky enough to take an eye out. You're not likely to witness this level of left-wing vitriol unless you steal Michael Moore's lunch.
The anti-authoritarian theme is maintained through most of the album, particularly on the chugging "Uncle Sam & Me," which paints an equally unflattering picture of the U.S. political climate.

But it's not just leaders, soldiers and law-enforcement types that take a bashing. The redneck protagonist in "White Trash" doesn't stand a chance against Heller's pointed rants; neither does the creepy pedophile from "Roy." Moistboyz deserve extra credit for creating a character so disgusting you feel like cleaning your ears by the end of the song. "Captain America" is a gloriously menacing ode to cocaine, booze and paranoia that might just ring true for select listeners.

"Everybody's Fucked Her" makes fun of a dude aiming to score with the local harlot. It's tough to tell if Heller is making fun of the guy for being a loser, or congratulating him for chasing such easy prey. Either way, it doesn't matter; Melchiondo's sleazy guitar solo says more about illicit carnal activities than words ever could.
In this age of sanitized radio-rock, Moistboyz really hit the spot. Although the band has always been a side project, IV boasts more visceral thrills than most full-time acts could hope to muster. Don't miss your chance to see them live in their first North American tour Tuesday, September 6, at the Higher Ground Showcase Lounge. It's an all-ages show, so if you're under 18, you might consider hiding this review from your folks.