Whipping Boy Dysillusion: A Muru Muru Remix LP
The Dysillusion LP issued by Blackhouse Records is an intriguing reissue/remix of WHIPPING BOY’s 1984 seminal album Muru Muru. If you’re unfamiliar with WHIPPING BOY, that’s okay because they were a niche band in Southern California during a time when bands were ubiquitous. Muru Muru was originally recorded by the DEAD KENNEDYS’ Klaus Flouride while Dysillusion is remixed by Grammy winner Joe Chiccarelli and remastered by John Golden, each having extensive histories working with noisy post-hardcore mega-acts like the MELVINS and SONIC YOUTH, respectively. In reality, Dysillusion is a refined reworking of Muru Muru with a better instrument-to-vocal balance. WHIPPING BOY still shines through with their hauntingly dark take on hardcore/post-hardcore. Their riff-layered, abstract take on the heavy music of their day remains fresh, with Eugene Robinson’s vocals coming through with a soft but fervent croon. Dysillusion is absolutely worth checking out, especially tracks like the gothic “Myster Magi” and the bluesy closer “Junkman,” and if you’re a mega music history nerd, then you’ll probably find the original recorded banter between the band and Klaus amusing.
