Professor Murder Rides the Subway is a forgotten slice of dance punk

In a recent digital archaeology expedition, Terrence O'Brien, Weekend Editor at The Verge, unearthed and lauded Professor Murder's 2006 EP, "Professor Murder Rides the Subway," as a quintessential, yet largely overlooked, relic of the mid-aughts New York City dance-punk scene. This 16-minute release is hailed as a near-perfect audio capsule, embodying the vibrant energy and distinctive sound of Brooklyn's indie landscape during that era.

O'Brien's personal rediscovery, prompted by the methodical re-ripping of his old CD collection, highlighted the EP's enduring appeal. He describes a specific period when numerous indie bands in NYC encouraged uninhibited dancing and pure enjoyment, a spirit Professor Murder captured with remarkable precision.

A Resurfaced Sonic Snapshot of Mid-Aughts NYC

The mid-aughts saw a resurgence of dance-punk, with bands like LCD Soundsystem and The Rapture leading the charge and gaining significant mainstream recognition. Yet, the scene was rich with other innovative acts such as Rahim, Liars, and Dan Deacon, many emerging from the influential DFA Records roster, all contributing to a pulsating musical tapestry across New York's venues.

Professor Murder carved out its niche within this energetic landscape, delivering a sound that Terrence O'Brien characterizes as a perfect blend of raw, unrefined elements. Their music featured distinctive cheap synth blasts, often paired with shouted vocal chants that lent a communal, anthemic feel to their tracks. These were underpinned by intricate, syncopated percussion and a persistent, throbbing bassline, creating an irresistible groove.

Anatomy of a Forgotten Gem: Professor Murder's Signature Sound

At the core of the "Professor Murder Rides the Subway" EP, each track (excluding the brief a cappella interlude of “Pedigree”) builds upon a foundational disco stomp. This simple yet effective rhythmic base is then adorned with layers of cowbell and other tuned percussion, adding complexity and texture without ever detracting from the central, propulsive groove. This approach ensured the music remained eminently danceable while offering subtle depth.

Unlike some of their more commercially successful contemporaries, who often pursued grander, more melodic soundscapes, Professor Murder embraced a stripped-back, minimalist arrangement. In their distinctive style, the drums frequently assumed the role of the lead instrument, driving the tracks forward with an undeniable force. While the EP does feature memorable hooks and melodies—such as the fuzzy bass line on “Camron’s New Color (Part 3)”—these elements are deliberately positioned slightly quieter in the mix, allowing the rhythmic core to shine.

The EP is bookended by two standout tracks, “Champion” and “Free Stress Test,” which O'Brien singles out as embodying the Platonic ideal of 2000s dance-punk. These songs, like the rest of the short but impactful collection, offer a concise and powerful expression of a particular moment in music history, resonating with a raw, unpretentious charm.

Revisiting an Era

The rediscovery of Professor Murder's work through archival means like re-ripping CDs speaks to a broader trend of revisiting and re-evaluating musical periods through modern digital accessibility. It underscores how artists, even those who didn't achieve widespread fame, can leave an indelible mark on a specific subgenre and cultural moment. For listeners eager to explore the foundational sounds of mid-aughts Brooklyn dance-punk, this EP offers a compelling and authentic entry point.

Terrence O'Brien's reflection not only celebrates a specific musical artifact but also highlights the personal connections individuals form with music from their past. The act of returning to these "forgotten gems" provides a nostalgic journey while offering a fresh perspective on the influences that shaped a generation of artists and fans alike.

FAQ

Q: Who is Professor Murder and what genre do they belong to? A: Professor Murder was a New York dance-punk band from the mid-aughts. They are known for their energetic blend of cheap synths, shouted vocals, busy percussion, and throbbing bass, rooted in a disco stomp.

Q: What makes "Professor Murder Rides the Subway" a significant EP? A: The EP is considered a forgotten gem that perfectly encapsulates the unique vibe and sound of the mid-aughts NYC music scene. It's praised for its stripped-back arrangements, with drums often taking the lead, and its ability to deliver dance-punk perfection in a concise format.

Q: How does Professor Murder compare to other dance-punk bands of the era? A: While contemporaries like LCD Soundsystem and The Rapture achieved greater fame with more melodic textures, Professor Murder distinguished itself with a raw, stripped-back sound, focusing on powerful rhythmic foundations and distinctive percussion elements over prominent melodies.