CHICAGO—Rock noiseniks Parts and Labor announced their much-anticipated reunion Tuesday. The band will release a 20-minute, four-part single this summer. This marks their first new material in 15 years. The group disbanded after a notoriously loud farewell show. Fans are reportedly preparing for the sonic onslaught. Parts and Labor were known for their challenging compositions.
A New Era of Cacophony
The new single, titled ‘Existential Dread Suite,’ clocks in at an impressive 20 minutes. It features intricate polyrhythms and extended feedback passages. The band’s core sound remains intact. However, two new drummers have joined the lineup. This doubles their percussive output. Lead singer Brenda Krill explained the decision. “We wanted to explore new sonic territories,” Krill stated. She is the band’s primary shouter. “More drums felt like the logical next step.” The band previously released a 12-minute epic. That song was called ‘The Inevitable Decay of All Things.’
Fan Reactions Range From Excitement to Mild Panic
Longtime fan Gary Finkelman expressed cautious optimism. “I’ve cleared my schedule for the entire day,” Finkelman said. He is the self-proclaimed President of the Parts and Labor International Fan Club. “I’ve also bought extra earplugs.” Another fan, Deborah Chen, remained skeptical. “Twenty minutes is a long time to listen to noise,” Chen commented. She is the owner of a local quiet bookstore. “I hope they’ve mellowed out.” Parts and Labor’s reunion album, Set of All Sets, is due out in August. The album promises more of the band’s signature sonic experimentation. It will feature several multi-part compositions. Fans are advised to brace themselves. More information can be found at Pitchfork.
At press time, Krill announced plans for a 40-minute, eight-part single. She hinted that it might include a kazoo solo.
