Strange, this sounds very similar to several of the other bands that have been released by Redundant Audio International, to the point where I can't help but wonder if there are some shared band members, especially the vocalist? Because there are some definitely likenesses to both Flatpoint A/V and Hordichuck, therefore making this sound very similar to Avail but more dissonant at times, and probably cleaner and more straightforward than either Flatpoint A/V and Hordichuck... but not to the point where it's stripped down and simple. Just check out the killer bass runs and somewhat darker melodies in "Rock is Guilt". I really like the dry, raspy singing a lot, it fits this music very nicely, what with the ringing open chords and such. Musically it's basically melodic and rocked out hardcore/punk with some indie rock influences at times, mainly leaning heavily on the rock while keeping the tempos really energetic. It's fairly atypical as a whole, and there are a lot of varying influences at work under the surface. "The Boss is Down", for example, is "heavier" in its intensely rhythmic nature and really sounds different from the other songs, contrasting the rhythmic side with acoustic guitars, quiet samples, and watery experimental textures. Most of the songs run less than three minutes as well, so they keep moving on with a great pace. The recording sounds good to me. Everything is natural and well mixed, it's not too dirty or anything nor is it super polished... I don't think I'd change anything. The drums sound very nice, the bass has a great presence, the guitars are clear, the vocals fall in line with the music... good work. As with every release on this label the packaging is excellent. Everything is printed on light brown matte paper with two transparency inserts inside the booklet that contain the lyrics. The imagery is all minimal sketches of medical devices with Asian language characters underneath them, and the songs seem to deal with some socio-political issues, but in a very cryptic and interesting manner, only scarcely hinting at literal meanings. "We're using their mantra to get by just one more day. In solitude we create and we provide for a pauper's wage. In cubes we shut them out; they shut us in and shut us up. We oblige in absentia..." I believe this is the label's final release, which is a damn shame because I think it's also their best. Send 'em an email if you're interested, I imagine you can score one for a really fair price.
[Redundant Audio International]
Running time - 30:19, Tracks: 11
[Notable tracks: Rock is Guilt, Guilt is Rock, The Boss is Down]
Redundant Audio International - [email protected]
