Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Alice Donut - "Freaks In Love" DVD (director: David Koslowski)


This documentary film looks at the life and times of weirdo New York freak-punk act Alice Donut, who have spent 25 years remaining steadfastly independent and confounding critics and fans. Director Koslowski does a fantastic job interviewing band members as well as peers like producer Martin Bisi, Curt Kirkwood (Meat Puppets), Jello Biafra, and Greg Werckman (Alternative Tentacles/Ipecac).

As well, there's tons of classic live footage and intimate behind-the-scenes clips, illustrating Alice Donut's fearsome and wild post-punk sounds. Biafra sums it up well with a cover quote: "The missing link between R.E.M. and the Butthole Surfers".

Though Alice Donut never quite reached the heights of some of their indie peers in the 80s or 90s, they remain an iconic symbol of true independent spirit, and although the members have moved on in life, they still, on occasion, regroup to play shows and even record. The "scene" may be vastly different, but Alice Donut remain legends. "Freaks In Love" is a superb, well-done, and enlightening film for fans, or anyone interested in the legacy of a sometimes-forgotten but influential post-punk band. (MVD Visual)

Alice Donut site

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