2007 quick reviews

This was previously lumped in a blog entry that also talked about 2006 music I'd missed. As 2007 has progressed, I figure the 2007 albums really need their own placeholder, some albums will eventually get their own standalone reviews. So consider this as somewhat of a public notepad of sorts.

2007 Releases

Neurosis / Given to the Rising - Got this on the weekend, listened to it maybe 1-2 times, heavier than the predecssor, which is the only thing I'm not yet sure about. It's nice to see one act in the Post Metal style getting actually heavier, the rest seem to end up slowly becoming more accessible to the Post Rock/Punk crowd. The trademark Neurosis elements are all here though and although I need to delve deeper before making a conclusive statement, I think this one will be great, but not as long lasting as 2004's The Eye of Every Storm.

Crippled Black Phoenix / A Love of Shared Disasters - This is an album I came across whilst browsing around various music blogs and zines, seeing the long list of names involved, I worried it would be another all star letdown. The reality is that the marketing of this release is for once not completely overblown.

Billed by most as Post Rock, that uncomfortable label which really doesn't fit. It's an incredibly warm album - with the band describing how they aimed for a Victorian sound. This is achieved partly due to the use of muted strings and brass but also I'm sure due to Geoff Barrow's studio trickery honed to perfection on Portishead tracks. What it reminds me of is some of the best parts of the Post Doom/Death scene, those bands I prefer to refer to as Atmospheric Metal - who mostly dropped the screams and growls for a deep melonchalic atmosphere. I'm talking latter day Anathema, mid period In The Woods and Antimatter.

I've barely listened to this album 3 times, but I already like it a lot. Stylistically and sonically, it's right up my alley, despite my not having a solid interest in Post Rock generally. Musically, it's beautifully executed, tragic and powerful simultaneously.

Shining / Grindstone - Knew this one was coming out, then forgot to keep an eye out for it, in the end only getting a hold of a copy a few days before these guys swept into town on tour. I absolutely loved Shining's previous album - which sat narrowly between Art School, Jazz, Electronica and Metal, occupying the same space as acts like Mars Volta, Mr Bungle and Fantomas, but due to their scandic heritage straying closer to the Jazz/Metal side of the spectrum as opposed to the Rock/Punk. Love their albums, and seeing them live was great, however mid way through their gig, I was thinking to myself, one of the reasons I like these guys on CD so much is that they never drag an idea out till it's dead prefering to drop it and move on with something else exciting and new. Live, midway through their set however they comitted this ugly sin with a long drawn out improv section that quite honestly began to bore me, which has tarnished my appreciation for them somewhat. But this album is great and highly recommended.

El-P - I'll Sleep When You're Dead - EL-P's second solo album is so far a little disappointing, the beats are mostly still strong, but the dense, verbose wordflow has lightened up a little, and somehow in the process become less exciting and rewarding. Maybe it's jus that the world is in a different place psycholgially than when El-P dropped two fantastic albums on us immediately post September 11 (Fantastic Damage and Cannibal Ox's The Cold Vein). Will give this album some more time, but feel a bit let down that this is all El-P could come up with after nearly 5 years.

Dälek - Abandoned Language After their previous album Absence, Dälek seem to have decided they are no longer interested in pursuing the noise barrier so ardently. This has resulted in a less abrasive release, but there's still a lot to enjoy here. I think Oktopus, Dälek's primary soundscape crafter is a real genius, managing to make music that is not so directly heavy and abrasive still have the same impact as music that is.

Rotting Christ / Theogonia - only listened once, enjoyable, accessible black metal with strong gothic/doom elements, I love a bit of hellenic metal by these guys on occasion. More listens will tell how strong a release this is, but so far I don't have any expectations aside from a bit of relaxing enjoyment.

Thee Maldoror Kollective / Pilot (Man with the Meat Machine) - listening now, jazzy avant-garde metal with some blackened influences. I've heard some of their previous stuff, so far don't dislike, but already unsure if it will become a fave - reminds me in parts of Norsk act Shining.

DHG / Supervillain Outcast - I have an early mix of this sans vocals, will hold my final thoughts till I hear the released version. Regardless is an enjoyable release - just seems to meander a lot, great musos though, little traces of black metal left - the drums were recorded more than 3 years ago before Carl-Michael Eide had his tragic fall which he was lucky to survive from - but unfortunately means he won't be drumming (at least using his feet) ever again, it's a pity as he had a very unique drumming style. WIll be seeing them live in a few days at Inferno. Looking forward to that.