On Repeat The No And Maybe Game's Survival Evasion And Escape: Not quite the same band we saw live

As The A.V. Club stared at the artwork of The No And Maybe Game’s debut album Survival Evasion And Escape (recorded under the band's previous name, Shanghai Party Boss), we had to wonder if this album really came from the same mysterious art-punk outfit that howled, chirped, blasted confetti, and spastically danced through an animalistic live set at The Frequency back in July? Or was this a crummy 1998 frat-rock compilation that our roommate got shafted with in last year’s secret-Santa exchange? Luckily, the anxious opening strums of “Panic” pleasantly assured us that we had the right album.

"1 2 Lose U 2" by The No And Maybe Game

Unfortunately, the band’s raw live energy doesn’t quite funnel through the arid sound of Survival. For the full effect of vocalist-guitarist Educational Davis’ shaky yelping, you need to see him splattered in paint and excitedly running in place while barking out lyrics about muffins and partying. Likewise, the messy guitar shrapnel on tunes like “1 2 Lose U 2” translates best for people who can actually witness guitarist Gunns Bakardy creepily sporting a wig and a dressing like someone’s great aunt who probably died 20 years ago. 

But while it's true that TNAMG may have been better off recording a live album, this doesn’t mean that Survival’s pulsing mash of XTC and Devo isn’t both a refreshing and welcome addition to Madison music. Unflattering releases happen, especially to unheard-of local bands making their first recordings. This Friday's show at Mickey's Tavern will give the band’s witty, twitchy rock a much more enjoyable introduction—TNAMG's performances provides evidence that there is more substance and enthusiasm to these songs than a forgivably flat-sounding release could give it credit for.