Strap yourselves in, but not merely for sheer cacophonous volume, but also surprises. The self-described Los Angeles “ecstatic black metal” band’s second album certainly brings a devilishly voluminous noise, but also huge dynamism with some surprisingly gentler moments. Guitarist Richard Chowenhill has one of the most dynamic ranges around - his soloing can be heart-stopping, while Dan Meyer can bring soulful, gentler singing to back up Leah Levinson’s extraordinary range of styles. Opener My Garden will instantly hit you between the eyes with blistering riffs and meaty bass ushering in some truly demonic, terrifying screams, followed by Flea, which allows some impressive heavy guitar noodles. The single Bodhidharma in particular brings huge contrasts – blistering static and screaming, but also bittersweet, melancholy post-rock passages. Micah (5.15.am), The Weight, and Serenity vary the pace between slow- and high-speed hardcore, but Dan’s Love Song is another beast entirely - a slow, slightly grungey dream-pop, with echoes of My Bloody Valentine, Hallelujah is a slightly bluesy, tender, unplugged rock, while there’s an early Radiohead-like frenzied guitar roar to closer The Reply. Variously deafening and disarmingly gentle, few bands offer such a spectacular and surprising musically broad spectrum. A boldly brilliant release. Out on The Flenser.
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