Again released by a label I've never heard of and can't find any information about (Long Way Records), "From Beneath You it Devours" is the debut full-length outing from Seattle duo Same-Sex Dictator. Apparently having only heard one of the band's songs before on the split 7" with Requin was but a partial representation of what they have to offer. Those dense, powerviolence-like bass runs, burly low-end grunts, and bitter midrange snarls are certainly a dominant factor; but there are also a lot of weird, spaced-out effects and ambient pulses that lend a fucked up prog rock vibe to material ("Beyond Thee Anti-Lord Beat" even unloads some ripping solos completely out of nowhere)—not to mention a few quiet, spacious breaks where subtle percussion work becomes the focus. For some reason I keep expecting the songs to come in short bursts that hone in on the band's more explosive side, but in fact most of the compositions are four to five minutes long. Hell, "Turning State's Evidence" hits damn near seven minutes and is probably the album's most powerful track, complete with an unexpectedly epic intro that's much darker and more emotional in tone. This tune in particular covers a lot of ground, and is probably your best bet for getting a feel for the "big picture" with these guys:
Same-Sex Dictator "Turning State's Evidence"
Robotic Empire's the only place I can find the LP online, so pick one up while you still can. Otherwise, Tore Recordings will be doing a cassette pressing (which will include a digital download) early next year...
Comments
Not really my thing, but it held my attention all the way through. Weird and cool! I can’t imagine trying to describe this stuff - you did a good job of it.
1.3.2011 | By Invisible Oranges
Right on, thanks for the rad review, Andrew. I think you hit the nail on the head!
The LP is available from Robotic Empire, Chrome Peeler, Cowabunga Rex and End Theory.
It will also be stocked very soon at Crucial Blast(they’ve had it for like 2-3 months but haven’t updated it into their catalog yet), Six Weeks, To Live A Lie, Just Say NO(for Canadians) and Fuck Yoga/Hell Militia(for the Euros).
1.3.2011 | By Justin
This song sound interesting (especially intro). But have to check the rest to get the whole picture.
Btw Andrew, from today on you can pre-order new Crowbar album (on Relapse).
1.4.2011 | By Carlos
I already bought the new Crowbar album from iTunes a few weeks ago, heh. Not sure it was supposed to be for sale that early, but it was!
1.4.2011 | By Andrew Aversionline
Hey thank you very much for this review, never heard of this band before but after listening once to the song you posted I immediately ordered the LP from Robotic Empire. It’s gonna be hard to wait for the record to arrive now, hope I can find some shitty MP3 in the meantime.
1.5.2011 | By Potoman