Crowbar - Odd Fellows Rest

Until this week, I had forgotten how good this band used to be, and more specifically, how great this album is.  I've recently been searching my memory for albums that were old favorites to me (ten or so) years ago, and then listening to them to see if they hold up to my new jaded standards.  This one definitely does.  The seismic guitar tone, the clenched-teeth growls, the crippling grooves.  They all sound just as cathartic now as they did a decade ago.  This album was also a turning point for the band, as they went from a Sludgey Metalcore sound to pure Sludge misery.  I kind of miss the faster, Hardcore-influnced parts of their early albums, but the leaps forward in songwriting and production more than make up for it.  This effort is packed to the gills with long, bowel-churing riffs and throbbing beats that seem to go on forever.  This shit isn't for skinny vegans that like jangly Indie Rock (the musical equivalent of a rice cake).  This is for hefty people that like their music thick and dense, like audial meatloaf.

fat music for fat people. it's not just a shitty comp, it's a reality.

Soilent Green - Inevitable Collapse in the Presence of Conviction

Honestly, I've never really been a fan of Soilent Green, but twice now they've really impressed me.  The first time was about five years ago when I saw them live.  I wasn't particularly looking forward to their set, but I stayed just to feel like I was getting my money's worth.  You know what, they sounded so clear and tight live, that damned if I wasn't banging my head before their first song was over!  

Of course, the second time was with the release of this album.  Sure, those of  you with skinny pants and beards won't like it because it doesn't sound "tinny" enough and it doesn't have any post-rock meandering, but that's exactly why I like it.  The first thing to notice here is the slick production job of Erik Rutan.  The sound is clear as glass and very fat, totally lacking that "ringy" snare sound preferred by retardo Slam bands, or the endless crash cymbal distortion that most Grind bands seem to enjoy.  Nope, this album actually sounds very listenable; looks like Erik finally found something he's good at (zing).  Beyond that, the drumming and riffery are as tasty as it gets.  This isn't the "heehaw" Soilent Green of the 90's, this is Soilent Green cleaned up, and they clean up pretty good. 

this wins as the worst cover in triple B history

 

 

we don't take kindly to yer type round here