Harkonen "Dancing" CD
[Initial]
More rhythmic, abrasive, at times noisy, at times sludgy rock from these Washington state dudes. This material feels a bit more caustic and pointed than what I've been hearing from 'em in the last few years. At times some really subtle, yet awesome post-hardcore melodies seep into some of the thicker chord progressions, and the rhythm section is definitely a force to be reckoned with here. The bass tone is fucking gorgeous and aggressive, playing an enormous role as far as resting dead center and driving the tracks. A lot of the guitar work is a lot looser, especially in "Cannibal", whereas "I'm Taking the Hydroplane to Bellingham" is quieter and much more subdued, with some lightly distorted guitars, softer bass, and distant vocals creating an impressive atmosphere. These guys tend to know what's up as far as production. The sound here is great for what they're doing. It's warm, it all sounds dense and natural, there are a lot of nice textures to each individual element (including the slightly filtered vocals), etc. I wouldn't change anything, because the mix is really intentional and even too. The disc comes in a nice full color digipack with some entertaining live photos throughout, and the lyrics and such on the inner panels. Some of the lyrics are more cryptic and strange than ever: "Ow! I've been feeling my knees. Feeling old as trees. My hair seems grey at twenty-three. I didn't think it would be. Classic jazz, pour from my fives. Keep me alive. Classic man, classic is right. Forgetting my lines tonight..." Not bad. I'm not blown away, they've done better work, but a few of these songs are fucking great, and as a whole the EP definitely sits well with me. (7/10)
Running time - 15:15, Tracks: 5
[Notable tracks: The Yolk, I'm Taking the Hydroplane to Bellingham]
Initial Records - http://www.initialrecords.com

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