The pull of the Pacific Northwest can be very strong. I felt it in my teens as the grunge revolution exploded nationwide. Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Alice in Chains – all bands that became intertwined with how I presented myself to the world. Lyrics that came from a sense of desolation and pain, making the mystique of the Seattle, WA region even more appealing to me (as it turns out – Aberdeen, WA can also be held responsible for Kurt Cobain‘s lonely words). Even as the public adulation subsided, I could still feel Seattle calling me. I eventually relocated my entire life to the Puget Sound region at the tender age of 24. Lee Pecqueur – who IS Death Threat Cassette – can surely relate to the calling of Seattle and the Pacific Northwest.

England’s Lee Pecqueur got his start as frontman for the Seattle influenced band, Solanoid (indeed, famed Nirvana producer Jack Endino produced the band’s debut, Aurora Avenue). When that band dissolved after 2 records, Pecqueur began to record songs in his home studio and came up with the name “Death Threat Cassette” after watching everyone’s favorite comedy film, Saw. One play of the record and it all begins to make sense – violence beneath beauty and sweetness where evil lurks. Feedback drenched songs laced with sing-a-long choruses and instantly memorable melodies. The songs have a way of embedding themselves in the listener’s brain after just one listen – a sign of greatness at work. Solanoid had been called “England’s finest indie band” – they’ll have to start thinking of new accolades to heap upon Death Threat Cassette.

like a beast off its leash (album highlights)

Yoko of Noid – A noisy introduction with guitar and feedback fading in and out before finally launching its white noise assault. Pecqueur’s voice enters the mix full of angst and intent. Guitars chug along on a metallic riff and just as quickly the track cuts out. Key lyrics: “I think you’ve started a fire / I think it’s time that you learn / about the cost of desire / II think it’s time that you burn”

The Easy Way Out – programmed beats before it gives way to a haunting guitar refrain. The verses are sung with emotional clarity, finally giving way to the white noise euphoria of the chorus. This quite simply is a perfect song – for anyone who has an appreciation of music. Key lyrics: “If I was suicide, let the punishment be divine / When you think its time to try the easy way out / I would bring down all my rage / I would rip out every page”